New report shows upward trend in global marine ingredients production 2025

GLOBAL -Global marine ingredients production surged in 2025, driven by improved fishmeal and fish oil output across most regions, according to the latest data from IFFO, The Marine Ingredients Organisation.

The organization reported that cumulative fishmeal production rose by 2% by November 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, while fish oil output recorded a year-on-year increase of 7%.

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

Peru on the decline

Peru, which contributes to roughly 20% of the world’s fishmeal and fish oil, ended the second fishing season in the North–Centre region with the anchoveta fleet having landed almost all of the 1.63 million metric tonne quota. 

“This is positive news.” Dr Enrico Bachis, Market Research Director at IFFO commented.” While data still needs to be confirmed for the full year, we expect 2025 to have delivered slightly lower production of both fishmeal and fish oil compared with 2024”.

Unlike 2024, Peru had a lower fish oil yield, which played a significant role in the overall decline. 

China Sees Decline in Production but Rise in Imports

The report also highlighted developments in China, the world’s largest aquaculture market.

Domestic production of marine ingredients fell by 20–30% compared to 2024 levels, largely due to high costs and reduced profitability for local producers. Farmers increasingly turned to imports, resulting in a 5% rise in domestic fishmeal imports, with Peru, Vietnam, and Chile as the top suppliers.

With the peak fishing season already over, limited improvement is expected through April 2026. On a positive note, domestic aquaculture production continues to expand, with 2025 output projected to surpass 2024 levels.

Feed sector impacts soybean and corn prices

IFFO also noted rising soybean meal and corn prices driven by strong demand from the feed sector. In China, soybean meal prices increased by about 8% in 2025, while corn production reached 298 million metric tons (MMT) in 2025/26, an increase of roughly 1%.

Stronger feed demand, particularly from livestock and aquaculture, has been the main driver of these increases, with imports of corn and soybeans tightening supply and supporting higher prices.

Global marine ingredient production in 2025 showed resilience and growth despite regional declines, underscoring its critical role in sustaining aquaculture and agriculture worldwide.

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