Global fishmeal production climbs 8% in July as Peru’s anchovy season extends

GLOBAL  – Global fishmeal and fish oil production surged in July 2025, driven by extended fishing activity in Peru and steady demand from aquaculture, according to the latest data from IFFO, The Marine Ingredients Organisation.

The organisation reported that cumulative fishmeal production rose by about 8% compared to the same period last year, while fish oil output increased by around 5%. 

Fishmeal, a nutrient-rich powder made from whole fish or byproducts, and fish oil, pressed from cooked fish, are vital feed ingredients for aquaculture and agriculture due to their high protein, omega-3, and polyunsaturated fat content.

Peru’s anchovy calendar shapes global supply

IFFO highlighted that Peru, which contributes roughly 20% of the world’s fishmeal and fish oil, played a key role in this year’s production boost. 

Unlike 2024, when the first anchovy season closed in mid-June, this year’s season extended through July before ending on the 24th to protect spawning and juvenile stock.

Although the fishing quota was not fully met, the additional weeks of landings were enough to reverse a downward trend observed from January to May. 

“Global fishmeal and fish oil production is consistent with IFFO’s 2025 estimates at 5.6 million tons of fishmeal and 1.2-1.3 million tons of fish oil,” said Dr. Enrico Bachis, IFFO’s Market Research Director.

Aside from Northern Europe, most producing regions recorded higher fishmeal volumes. For fish oil, trends were positive across most countries, with Spain, Iceland/North Atlantic, and Peru being exceptions.

China sees mixed picture on production and demand

The IFFO report also offered insights into China, the world’s largest aquaculture market. Domestic production of marine ingredients in the country fell in the first seven months of 2025 due to seasonal fishing bans. 

These closures have now mostly ended, with restrictions in the South China Sea lifted on August 15 and in the Bohai and Yellow Seas on September 1. The final ban in the East China Sea is set to end on September 16.

Despite the reopening, IFFO cautioned that the outlook for Chinese wild catches remains uncertain. 

On the demand side, fishmeal consumption in aquaculture has already surpassed last year’s levels, buoyed by improved profitability in certain farmed species. In contrast, the pig sector has seen reduced demand as falling piglet prices weighed on feed use.

Farming activity in China has remained resilient despite high temperatures and typhoons, with aquafeed demand expected to stay strong through October.

Stable outlook amid high demand

As aquaculture continues to expand globally, the demand for fishmeal and fish oil remains strong across various sectors. By-products from seafood processing are also playing a growing role in supplementing supply.

IFFO reaffirmed its confidence in meeting its 2025 projections, underscoring the stabilising effect of Peru’s extended anchovy season and steady demand from key markets. 

As Dr. Bachis emphasised, production this year is “consistent with IFFO’s estimates,” keeping the global marine ingredients market on track.

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