Fishmeal Production Rises 8% and Fish Oil Rises 4% Through August, Driven by General Recovery, Though China Faces Domestic Production Decline.
LONDON – Global production of marine ingredients experienced a notable recovery in the first eight months of 2025, according to the latest market intelligence reports from the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO).
Global Production Trends (January–August 2025)
The IFFO report (which compiles data from members representing 40% of global fishmeal production and 50% of fish oil output, including key countries like Chile, Peru, and Norway) highlights:
Fishmeal Production: Total cumulative production grew by approximately 8% compared to the same period in 2024. This increase was driven by most regions, with the exception of Northern Europe, which reported year-on-year declines.
Fish Oil Production: Total cumulative output showed a year-on-year increase of around 4%. Most countries recorded positive trends, but Spain and Peru reported decreases. In Peru’s case, lower oil yields during the recent fishing season played a significant role in the overall decline.
China at Peak Aquaculture Demand
In the Asian market, consumption remained strong:
Domestic Aquaculture Production: Chinese production of farmed fish surpassed last year's levels in the first eight months of 2025, despite recent weather challenges (high temperatures and typhoons), according to China's Ministry of Agriculture.
Peak Consumption: The peak season for aquafeed production and demand for marine ingredients is expected to conclude in October, as temperatures begin to drop.
Imports and Local Production:Fishmeal consumption in aquaculture is estimated to have exceeded 2024 levels, supported by significantly improved profitability for some farmed species. However, domestic Chinese production of marine ingredients declined in the first nine months of 2025, adding to the strong reliance on imports. Local production is expected to improve in the coming weeks to meet the high demand.
Weakness in the Pig Sector
The report also highlights the continued weakness in the pig sector, a traditional consumer of marine ingredients in piglet feed:
Weaker Demand: The Chinese pig sector is dealing with weaker demand for piglet feed due to falling prices. Farmers have maintained caution and a lack of confidence over the past six months.
Future Outlook: Recent measures, such as reducing sow inventories and limiting repeated fattening, aim to stabilize pig prices. While this may support prices in the future, it is likely to also result in a lower overall supply of pigs and piglets.
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China at Peak Aquaculture Demand
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