Peru has concluded its first fishing season of 2025 in the North-Central region, with over 80% of the three-million-metric-tonne anchovy quota filled. The authorities announced the season’s end on July 23 due to a significant number of juvenile fish in the catches, but provided an extra 24-hour window for final landings, reports IFFO. Meanwhile, the second fishing season has begun in the South.
Data from IFFO’s market intelligence reports from May 2025 show that cumulative fishmeal production has decreased by around 2% compared to the same time last year, primarily due to reduced output in Peru and Northern European nations. However, other regions have seen increases in fishmeal production during this period.
Fish oil production has also seen a slight year-on-year decline. While most countries have reported positive trends, decreases in performance from European nations and Peru offset these gains. Lower oil yields in Peru during the current season have significantly impacted the overall decline.
“IFFO’s 2025 estimates for fishmeal and fish oil remain at 5.6 million tonnes of fishmeal and 1.2-1.3 million tonnes of fish oil,” said Dr. Enrico Bachis, IFFO’s Market Research Director.
Current statistics indicate that China’s marine ingredient production remains low due to ongoing fishing bans along the coastline. The primary sources for fishmeal and fish oil production during summer come from frozen fish and processing by-products.
In the first half of 2025, domestic marine ingredient production in China decreased compared to last year. Demand for aquafeed has not seen significant growth, attributed to lower stocks from 2024, proactive sales from farmers, and delayed spring stocking due to cooler weather, IFFO notes.
Still, increased stocking activity, falling feed costs, and a brighter profit outlook may lead to a rebound in aquafeed demand in the second half of 2025, suggesting strong demand for marine ingredients moving forward.
