The first fishing season in Peru’s north-central region, which began on 22 April 2025, has now fulfilled 70% of the 3 million tonne anchovy quota, according to the latest analysis from marine ingredients organisation IFFO.
These materials are a major contributor to the country’s fishmeal and fish oil production, which accounts for an average 20% of the global supply.
“IFFO’s 2025 estimates for fishmeal and fish oil are at 5.6 million tonnes of fishmeal and 1.2-1.3 million tonnes of fish oil,” IFFO Market Research Director Dr Enrico Bachis said.
In April this year, according to IFFO’s market intelligence reports, the total cumulative fishmeal production increased by approximately 3% compared to the same period in 2024. This increase was driven by growth in all areas except for the North European countries, which was the only area to report a negative performance compared to January–April 2024.
As for fish oil, total cumulative output for the year through April 2025 was 14% up year on year. Similarly to fishmeal, almost all the countries reported a positive trend in cumulative fish oil production compared to January-April 2024, with the exception of the European countries.
The association also estimated China’s domestic production of marine ingredients in the first five months of 2025 to be lower than during the same period a year ago, noting that fishing bans are now in place with most local fishmeal plants now idle.
China’s main raw material for producing fishmeal and fish oil for the time being will come from frozen fish, imported sardines and by-products from processing facilities.
Driven by the increase in aquaculture production reported by official sources through April 2025, domestic aquafeed output is likely to grow year-on-year during the first four months of the year, IFFO said. Anticipated profits from harvests in the third- and fourth-quarters, particularly for species with high fishmeal dietary requirements, are also contributing to this positive trend.
