Global Fishmeal Output Down 49% in First Seven Months of 2026
Cumulative global fishmeal production fell 49% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2026, with fish oil output down 30%, driven by shortfalls in South America and weaker catches in Africa and Northern Europe. IFFO says Asian producers may partially offset the decline in Q4, but demand headwinds in China's aquaculture and pig sectors are weighing on recovery prospects.
Global fishmeal production dropped sharply in the first seven months of 2026, falling 49% compared with the same period a year earlier, according to data reported by International Aquafeed on 18 September 2026. Fish oil output over the same period declined by 30%.
Peru and Chile accounted for the largest share of the shortfall, while weaker catches in African countries and Northern Europe added to the overall global decline, the report said.
Enrico Bachis, Market Research Director at IFFO, indicated that some recovery may be possible in the final quarter of the year. "The reduced fishmeal and fish oil supply from South America might be offset by some of the regions in Asia that have their peak fishing season in the last quarter of the year. China, India and Oman are some of them," Bachis said.
China's Production and Demand Picture
China's domestic fishmeal and fish oil production resumed in August 2026 after a seasonal pause. Initial estimates indicate that domestic output through July 2026 was higher than levels recorded a year earlier, though the source noted that the availability of fish raw material since August remains to be observed.
August marks the peak summer growth period for aquaculture species in China, and also brings elevated production risks. The report noted that recent extreme weather events, including typhoons, have further disrupted coastal aquaculture operations.
Overall aquaculture feed demand in China has entered its seasonal peak, although the report cautioned that demand varies considerably between species. For specialty species — including largemouth bass, snakehead and yellow catfish — farm-gate prices remain weak. Market data cited in the report shows that stocking volumes for these species declined year-on-year during the first half of 2026, suggesting that feed demand and fishmeal consumption may weaken during the grow-out stage.
By contrast, feed and fishmeal demand for high-value species with stronger profit margins was described as stable or showing signs of improvement. Despite this, persistently high farming costs combined with lower supply have contributed to an overall year-on-year decline in fishmeal consumption in China.
Pig Sector Demand Remains Subdued
In China's pig sector, fishmeal consumption also remains subdued, primarily due to weaker demand for piglet and commercial piglet feed. The report concluded that, given current market conditions, fishmeal demand from the pig sector is unlikely to see a meaningful recovery during the remainder of 2026.
Prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
