The state of marine ingredients in the EU: insights from the 2025 EUMOFA Report

The latest edition of the EUMOFA study on fishmeal and fish oil, released in July 2025, sheds light on the evolving dynamics of the marine ingredients sector. With a focus on sustainability, supply security and global competitiveness, the study emphasizes the EU’s pivotal position in the global fishmeal and fish oil markets, while also highlighting the increasing significance of circularity and value-added production.

Fishmeal and fish oil remain indispensable globally for aquafeeds and other feed markets. Over the last decade, global fishmeal production averaged 5.1 million tonnes, while fish oil output averaged around 1.2 million tonnes. The EU’s production ranges from 370,000 to 520,000 tonnes of fishmeal and from 90,000 to 140,000 tonnes of fish oil, accounting for around 8–12% of global production. This significant share reflects the Union’s productive capacity and commitment to sustainable sourcing.

EU production: a resilient and adaptive industry

In 2023, the total EU fishmeal production was 480,000 tonnes. Denmark remained the leading producer, accounting for around 35% of the total. Spain followed closely behind, accounting for around 22% of the total, driven by the increased use of by-products and processing trimmings. The overall upward trend in EU production in recent years has been supported by enhanced resource efficiency and the valorisation of processing residues.

In contrast, fish oil production in the EU has been more variable, ranging from 88,000 tonnes in 2012 to 137,000 tonnes in 2020. The figure for 2023 was 95,000 tonnes, a 6% decrease from the previous year. Denmark played a pivotal role once again, accounting for 44% of the EU’s total output.

Notably, the proportion of fishmeal and fish oil derived from by-products continues to grow, aligning with EU sustainability goals and reducing pressure on forage fisheries.

Trade and market trends

Despite its production capacity, the EU remains dependent on imports to meet demand. However, there has been a marked reduction in import volumes of both fishmeal and fish oil in recent years, indicating greater self-reliance and changes in sourcing strategies.

Between 2014 and 2024, for fishmeal:

• Imports decreased by 41%, totalling 199,000 tonnes in 2024.
• Exports declined by 33% to 171,000 tonnes.
• The trade deficit in volume terms was 28,500 tonnes.
• Domestic consumption of fishmeal stabilised at approximately 455,000 tonnes.
• Peru’s share of EU fishmeal imports plummeted by 93%, falling from 167,000 tonnes in 2014 to just 9,500 tonnes in 2024. Other countries, such as Morocco, Norway and South Africa, have emerged as key suppliers.

For fish oil:

• Imports fell by 28% to 144,000 tonnes, despite a 58% increase in import value.
• Exports dropped by 6% to 137,000 tonnes.
• The trade volume gap narrowed to just 7,000 tonnes in 2024, with the EU achieving a net positive trade balance of €50 million in value terms.
• Peru, Norway and the United States dominate the import market, while EU exports primarily serve Norway (77%) and the UK (15%).

Implications for the sector

The EUMOFA 2025 study highlights the transition of the EU fishmeal and fish oil industry towards greater circularity, diversified sourcing and strengthened value chains. Reduced dependence on traditional suppliers, coupled with the increasing use of trimmings and by-products, establishes the EU industry as a more sustainable and resilient global player.

For EFFOP members, these developments demonstrate their commitment to innovation, traceability and responsible sourcing of raw materials. As European regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, strategic adaptation will be essential to ensure long-term market access and competitiveness. EFFOP welcomes the findings of the 2025 EUMOFA report and is committed to promoting best practices, sound science and strong partnerships to support the production of sustainable marine nutrients across Europe.

Read the EUMOFA report here: EUMOFA Report 2025.