Global fishmeal and fish oil markets are experiencing tightening supply conditions alongside uneven and weakening demand across major regions, says the IFFO.
In Peru, extended anchoveta fishing restrictions driven by high juvenile fish levels and coastal El Niño conditions are slowing the season and limiting output, reducing one of the world’s most important sources of fishmeal and fish oil.
In Chile, production is also tracking below last year despite steady availability of fish by-products, adding further pressure to global supply.
In northern Europe, seasonal fisheries are winding down, with weaker catches in key species such as blue whiting, sand eel and sprat contributing to reduced regional output.
Meanwhile, the US shows a mixed picture, with Gulf menhaden fisheries improving year on year but the Atlantic season only just beginning, leaving near-term supply uncertain.
In China, domestic marine ingredient production remains constrained by fishing bans and depends heavily on frozen inventories and processing by-products. At the same time, aquafeed demand is expected to soften in the coming months as farmed fish and shrimp are harvested and restocking slows, while pig feed demand remains subdued.
Overall, constrained supply in key producing regions is meeting weaker and uneven demand, resulting in a market that is tight but lacks clear upward momentum.
