STANDARD FISHMEAL PRICES COULD REACH 4.000 $/t

In China, the price of standard fishmeal containing 63–64% crude protein has risen to RMB 21,800 per metric ton, equivalent to approximately US$3,218 per ton. Market participants suggest that prices could increase by a further 25%. Under such a scenario, prices would exceed RMB 27,250 per ton, pushing standard fishmeal above the US$4,000-per-ton threshold.

The extension of fishing restrictions in Peru, the world’s largest fishmeal producer, has created significant pressure on global fishmeal supplies. Experts expect the adverse effects of El Niño to persist until the end of 2027.

The continued rise in fishmeal prices is expected to increase production costs, particularly for species with relatively high fishmeal requirements, including salmon, rainbow trout, European sea bass, and gilthead sea bream. These additional feed costs are also likely to be reflected significantly in market prices.

For the aquafeed industry, diversifying protein sources, adopting dynamic formulation management, applying precision feed formulation, and gradually incorporating validated alternatives such as highly digestible insect proteins have become essential risk-management measures.