Photo: IFFO/FIS

Peru's North-Central Fishing Season on Track, Boosting Global Fishmeal and Fish Oil Outlook

UNITED KINGDOM
Friday, June 20, 2025, 01:00 (GMT + 9)

70% of Anchovy Quota Fulfilled, Signalling Consistent Marine Ingredient Production for 2025

LIMA – Peru's crucial first fishing season in its north-central region, which commenced on April 22nd, 2025 – a week later than the previous year – is well underway, with approximately 70% of the 3-million-metric-ton anchovy quota already fulfilled. This robust performance is a key indicator for consistent global fishmeal and fish oil production in 2025, given Peru's average contribution of 20% to the world's supply of these vital marine ingredients.

Dr. Enrico Bachis, IFFO’s Market Research Director, commented on the positive outlook, stating, "IFFO’s 2025 estimates for fishmeal and fish oil are at 5.6 million tons of fishmeal and 1.2-1.3 million tons of fish oil."

According to IFFO's market intelligence reports*, cumulative global fishmeal production saw an approximate 3% increase through April 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was widespread, with nearly all reporting regions contributing positively, except for North European countries, which were the sole area to record a negative performance.

Similarly, total cumulative fish oil output for the year through April 2025 was up by a significant 14% year-on-year. Most countries reported positive trends in cumulative fish oil production during this period, with European countries being the only exception.

*This data is based on statistics shared by IFFO members in Chile, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Ivory Coast, Mauritius, Norway, the UK, the USA, Peru, South Africa, and Spain, collectively accounting for 40% of global fishmeal production and 50% of fish oil output.

Photo: IFFO

China's Aquaculture Drives Marine Ingredient Demand

In China, sustained growth is anticipated in aquaculture production, aquafeed demand, and marine ingredient usage throughout 2025. While China's domestic production of marine ingredients in the first five months of 2025 was estimated to be lower than the previous year, primarily due to current fishing bans that have idled most local fishmeal plants, the supply will be supplemented. The main raw materials for producing fishmeal and fish oil will temporarily come from frozen fish, imported sardines, and by-products from processing facilities.

Official sources indicate that domestic aquafeed output is likely to grow year-on-year during the first four months of the year, driven by an increase in aquaculture production reported through April 2025. Anticipated profits from harvests in the third and fourth quarters, especially for species with high fishmeal dietary requirements, are also contributing to this positive trend in demand for marine ingredients.

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