By August 2025, according to IFFO’s market intelligence reports*, the total cumulative annual fishmeal production rose by approximately 8% compared to the same period in 2024. This increase was driven by higher output in most regions, except for Northern Europe which reported year-on-year declines.
Similarly, cumulative fish oil output through August 2025 showed a year-on-year increase of around 4%. Most countries recorded positive trends compared to January–August 2024, with the exception of Spain and Peru. Peru’s lower oil yields during the recent fishing season played a significant role in the overall decline.
* These data are based on statistics shared by IFFO members in Chile, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Ivory Coast, Mauritius, Norway, the UK, the USA, Peru, South Africa and Spain, accounting for 40% of global fishmeal production and 50% of fish oil output.
China’s 2025 demand for marine ingredients at its peak
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, domestic production of farmed fish during the first eight months of 2025 surpassed that of the same period last year, despite recent challenges from extreme weather events, including high temperatures and typhoons. The peak season for aquafeed production and demand for marine ingredients is expected to conclude in October as temperatures begin to drop.
Domestic production of marine ingredients declined in the first nine months of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Due to a strong demand for fishmeal, local production of marine ingredients is expected to improve in the coming weeks.
Fishmeal consumption in aquaculture is estimated to have exceeded last year’s levels, supported by significantly improved profitability in some farmed species. In contrast, the pig sector is facing weaker demand for piglet feed due to declining piglet prices. Farmers remain cautious, reflecting a lack of confidence over the past six months. Recently, measures such as reducing sow inventories and limiting repeated fattening, have been implemented. While these steps are expected to support pig prices in the future, they are also likely to result in lower overall pig and piglet supply.
