The extended anchovy fishing season in Peru’s North-Centre region this year has had a significant impact on global fishmeal and fish oil production.
While the 2024 season ended around 19 June, fishing activity in 2025 continued into late July, providing a longer window for catch and processing.
Peru typically accounts for about 20% of the world’s fishmeal and fish oil supply, making its seasonal trends particularly influential on the global market.
According to the latest data from IFFO global cumulative fishmeal production rose by approximately 8% through July 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. The data reflects input from IFFO members across key producing countries, representing 40% of global fishmeal and 50% of fish oil output.
“Global fishmeal and fish oil production is consistent with IFFO’s 2025 estimates 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.
The growth was driven by increased production in most regions, with the notable exception of northern Europe. Fish oil production also saw an upward trend, increasing by around 5% year-on-year, although Spain, Iceland/North Atlantic and Peru recorded declines.
Meanwhile, the seasonal fishing ban across China’s seas is being lifted in phases, with the final ban in the East China Sea set to end on 16 September. However, IFFO analysts report that China’s domestic marine ingredient production is still down compared to the first seven months of 2024.
