Global fishmeal and fish oil production maintain upward momentum

Global fishmeal and fish oil production increased by 8% and 4% respectively by August 2025, driven by higher output across most regions.

standard_Produce implementa acciones para proteger a la anchoveta, durante la pesca exploratoria en la zona norte-centro

Credits: Produce

Oct. 6, 2025

By August 2025, according to IFFO’s market intelligence reports*, the total cumulative annual fishmeal production rose by approximately 8% compared to the same period in 2024. This increase was driven by higher output in most regions, except for Northern Europe, which reported year-on-year declines.

Similarly, cumulative fish oil output through August 2025 showed a year-on-year increase of around 4%. Most countries recorded positive trends compared to January-August 2024, except Spain and Peru. Peru’s lower oil yields during the recent fishing season significantly contributed to the overall decline.

China’s 2025 demand for marine ingredients is at its peak

According to the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, domestic production of farmed fish during the first eight months of 2025 surpassed that of the same period last year, despite recent challenges from extreme weather events, including high temperatures and typhoons. The peak season for aquafeed production and demand for marine ingredients is expected to conclude in October as temperatures begin to drop.

Domestic production of marine ingredients declined in the first nine months of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Due to a strong demand for fishmeal, local production of marine ingredients is expected to improve in the coming weeks.

Fishmeal consumption in aquaculture is estimated to have exceeded last year’s levels, supported by significantly improved profitability in some farmed species. In contrast, the pig sector is facing weaker demand for piglet feed due to declining piglet prices. Farmers remain cautious, reflecting a lack of confidence that has persisted over the past six months. Recently, measures such as reducing sow inventories and limiting repeated fattening have been implemented. While these steps are expected to support pig prices in the future, they are also likely to result in a lower overall supply of pigs and piglets.

* These data are 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, accounting for 40% of global fishmeal production and 50% of fish oil output.