Peru forecasts 1.3% fisheries GDP growth in 2025 on higher catches and exports

PERU – Peru’s fisheries sector is expected to post a 1.3% increase in gross domestic product in 2025, according to official estimates released by the Ministry of Production, demonstrating higher landings and stronger export performance across key species.

The projection is linked to increased fishing activity for anchoveta, jumbo flying squid known locally as pota, and tuna, which together account for a significant share of the country’s industrial and small-scale fisheries output.

Data from the ministry shows that segments focused on Direct Human Consumption recorded sharp year-on-year gains, particularly in pota, where catches expanded by 252% while export volumes rose by 210.6% during the period under review.

Tuna landings also rose markedly, with catches increasing by 193%, although export growth for the species was more moderate at 32.1%, reflecting differences in processing capacity and market demand.

Anchoveta quota and export outlook

In contrast, anchoveta fishing intended for Indirect Human Consumption is forecast to grow by 3.2% in 2025, supported by an authorised quota of 4.63 million metric tonnes, a level that ranks among the highest issued in the past five years.

On the trade side, the ministry expects total fisheries exports to reach US$4.266 billion, a 16.5% increase over the previous year, driven largely by higher shipment volumes and improved international prices.

Officials attributed the projected growth to resource availability and regulatory management, while also reiterating the need to align fishing activity with sustainability requirements set by national authorities.

Policy planning and fleet oversight

Alongside the economic outlook, the government moved forward with longer-term planning by opening a public consultation on June 7 for a draft Supreme Decree that would establish a National Fisheries Policy extending to 2040.

According to official estimates, implementation of the proposed policy could generate an additional US$467 million (US$467m) in foreign exchange earnings annually and create about 64,000 direct and indirect jobs across the sector.

At the same time, Peru continued efforts to strengthen monitoring and control, acquiring six unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with thermal sensors and night vision systems, as well as 16 surveillance cameras for installation at major landing sites.

As part of regional compliance measures, the ministry also confirmed that by December 22, 2025, a total of 662 fishing vessels had been registered with the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation, including 557 artisanal boats.

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