Global Fishmeal and Fish Oil Production sees Strong Start in 2025

Anchoveta peruana - Sociedad Nacional de Pesquería

The global fishmeal and fish oil industry has kicked off 2025 on a strong note, with significant increases in production compared to the previous year. According to market intelligence reports from IFFO, total fishmeal production in January 2025 surged by approximately 75% year-on-year, primarily driven by a remarkable 300% increase in Peruvian output.

Other key producers, including Chile, the USA, Spain, and several African countries, also reported positive growth compared to January 2024.

Fish oil production followed a similar trend, with total output rising by 71% year-on-year. Ocen again, Peru played a leading role in this surge, while other regions also recorded increases, except for North European countries, which saw a decline.

These findings are based on data collected from IFFO members in key producing nations, including Chile, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Ivory Coast, Mauritius, Norway, the UK, the USA, Peru, South Africa, and Spain. Collectively, these countries account for 40% of global fishmeal production and 50% of fish oil output.

China Aquafeed Market Declines in 2024

Despite the positive global production trends, China experienced a downturn in its aquafeed industry in 2024. The China Feed Industry Association (CFIA) reported a 3.5% decrease in aquafeed production and a 10% drop in domestic aquafeed sales. This decline has been attributed to unfavorable weather conditions affecting aquaculture, weak farm-gate prices, and cost-cutting measures among farmers, who reduced their reliance on compound feeds.

Similarly, pig feed production-another major consumer of fishmeal-declined by 3.9% due to reduced pig supply and lower pork production.

Ultil the next fishing season begins in September 2025, China’s primary sources of raw material for fishmeal and fish oil production are expected to be frozen fish stocks and imports such as sardines.

These trends underscore the dynamic nature of the global aquafeed and fishmeal industries, with fluctuating production patterns influenced by regional conditions and market forces.