IFFO reports sharp decline in global fishmeal and fish oil output

GLOBAL – Global fishmeal and fish oil production fell sharply in the first seven months of 2026, with output down 49% and 30%, respectively, compared with the same period in 2025, according to the Marine Ingredients Organisation (IFFO).

The decline has been driven largely by weaker production in Peru and Chile, while lower catches in Africa and Northern Europe have added to the global shortfall. 

Reduced availability of marine ingredients could put further pressure on aquafeed supply and formulation as producers manage raw-material availability.

“The reduced fishmeal and fish oil supply from South America might be offset by some of the regions in Asia that have their peak fishing season in the last quarter of the year,” said Enrico Bachis, IFFO market research director. 

“China, India, and Oman are some of them.”

Peru is expected to remain a major contributor to the supply decline. 

The country later cancelled its North-Central anchovy season, leaving approximately 1 million metric tonnes of quota uncaught. 

The fishery had initially been paused amid El Niño conditions, which increased the proportion of juvenile fish in the stock and contributed to the decision to close the season.

IFFO had already reported weaker fishmeal and fish oil production in Peru in its first-half 2026 assessment, highlighting the impact of reduced catches on global marine ingredient supply.

China ramps up fishmeal production

China has started increasing fishmeal production as its aquaculture sector enters its seasonal peak in feed demand. 

The country resumed production in August, with fishmeal output through July reported to be above the level recorded a year earlier. 

However, IFFO said the availability of raw material remains uncertain.

“August represents the peak of summer and a critical growth stage for aquaculture species,” IFFO said, while noting that extreme weather, including typhoons, has disrupted coastal aquaculture operations.

Demand is also uneven across species. 

Lower farmgate prices for largemouth bass, snakehead and yellow catfish have led to lower stocking densities, potentially reducing fishmeal demand during grow-out.

By contrast, demand for feed and fishmeal for higher-value species with stronger margins remains stable or is improving, IFFO said. 

However, higher production costs combined with tighter supply have contributed to a year-on-year decline in overall fishmeal consumption.

China’s pig sector is also recording subdued fishmeal demand, with IFFO not expecting a meaningful recovery during the remainder of 2026.

The organisation said some Asian fisheries could provide additional marine ingredients during the final quarter of the year, potentially helping to offset part of the supply gap from South America. 

The extent of this recovery will depend on catches and the availability of suitable raw materials.

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