The first fishing season in Peru’s north-central region began on April 22, 2025, a week later than in 2024. To date, around 70% of the three-million-metric-ton anchovy quota has been fulfilled, IFFO reported. These materials are key to fishmeal and fish oil production, as Peru contributes 20% on average to global production.
“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,” said Enrico Bachis, IFFO’s market research director.
In April 2025, according to IFFO’s market intelligence reports* the total cumulative fishmeal production increased by approximately 3% compared to the same period in 2024. This increase was driven by growth in all areas except for the North European countries, the only area to report a negative performance compared to January-April 2024.
As for fish oil, total cumulative output for the year through April 2025 was 14% up year-on-year. Similarly to fishmeal, almost all the countries reported a positive trend in cumulative fish oil production compared to January-April 2024, with the exception of the European countries.
China
China’s domestic production of marine ingredients in the first five months of 2025 was estimated to be lower than during the same period a year ago. The fishing bans are now in place, with most local fishmeal plants now idle. The main raw material for producing fishmeal and fish oil for the time being will come from frozen fish, imported sardines and byproducts from processing facilities.
Driven by the increase in aquaculture production reported by official sources through April 2025, domestic aquafeed output is likely to grow year-on-year during the first four months of the year. Anticipated profits from harvests in the third and fourth quarters, particularly for species with high fishmeal dietary requirements, are also contributing to this positive trend.
* 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, accounting for 40% of global fishmeal production and 50% of fish oil output.
