Introduction

Fish meal procurement for fertilizer applications in Asia Pacific continues to gain momentum heading into 2026, supported by the region’s accelerating shift toward organic and sustainable agriculture. As a nutrient-rich organic input supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace minerals, fish meal is increasingly positioned as a substitute or supplement to synthetic fertilizers. However, procurement strategies remain shaped by import reliance on Latin American producers, seasonal supply patterns, and tightening sustainability standards.

 

Market Signals for Fish Meal (Asia Pacific, 2026)

Demand trend: Rising
Fertilizer segment grows at 7.23% CAGR through 2034, supported by organic agriculture initiatives in India and Japan.

Supply condition: Import-reliant
Asia Pacific imports heavily from Peru and Chile, with China taking 771,000 tonnes in 2024 (90% of Peru's exports)

Pricing pressure: Moderate
Raw material fluctuations and high processing costs persist, though steady trade recovery tempers extremes.

Buyer risk level: Medium
Supplier concentration in Latin America and seasonal raw fish availability raise lead time vulnerabilities.

 

Current Market Snapshot

Asia Pacific accounts for approximately 41–46% of global fish meal consumption, with the regional market valued at USD 4.58 billion in 2025 and forecast to reach USD 8.75 billion by 2034. Trade volumes rebounded strongly in 2024, with exports to Asia increasing by 11%, reflecting renewed pull from both aquaculture and fertilizer sectors. Peru exported roughly 1.01 million tonnes in 2024, reinforcing its role as the primary supplier, while Chile remains a critical secondary source. Pricing stability has improved alongside energy and freight normalization, supporting procurement planning for fertilizer manufacturers seeking traceable, consistent inputs.

 

Key Demand Drivers

Growth in organic fertilizer adoption is the primary demand driver for fish meal in Asia Pacific. In India, programs such as the National Project on Organic Farming subsidize bio-based alternatives to synthetic fertilizers, accelerating uptake in key agricultural regions like Punjab and Maharashtra. Japan’s Eco-Farming Promotion Program similarly supports eco-friendly formulations that improve yields while reducing environmental impact. Across Southeast Asia, rising food security concerns and population growth underpin sustainable agriculture initiatives, contributing to a projected 6.5% CAGR in fertilizer demand through 2033, with fish meal increasingly integrated into organic and blended formulations.

 

Supply & Availability 

While domestic production exists in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand through aquaculture by-products, the region still depends on Peru and Chile for over 40% of total volumes. ASEAN fish meal output is expanding at a 7.3% CAGR toward USD 1.69 billion by 2035, led by Thailand’s advanced fish farming and processing infrastructure. Notably, approximately 37% of global fish meal production now comes from processing residues, easing pressure on wild catch supply and supporting sustainability goals. However, pelagic fish quotas, weather disruptions, and certification requirements continue to influence availability and shipment timing.

 

Buyer Considerations

Procurement teams increasingly prioritize suppliers with robust traceability systems and sustainability certifications such as MSC and ASC to meet regulatory and export market requirements. Lead times typically range from 4 to 8 weeks, extending during off-season fishing periods, making multi-origin sourcing essential to manage quota-related disruptions. Pricing exposure remains linked to freight rates and raw fish landings, favoring forward contracts for fertilizer-grade volumes with defined quality parameters, such as protein content and heavy metal thresholds. Compliance screening is critical as organic fertilizer standards tighten across Asia Pacific markets.

 

How These Market Signals Are Interpreted

Demand indicators reflect rising fertilizer imports and organic production growth, supported by Asia Pacific’s 41.15% share of global fish meal consumption. Supply conditions highlight limited domestic capacity relative to strong reliance on Peru and Chile, with vulnerability to climatic and regulatory disruptions. Pricing pressure stems from processing intensity and logistics costs but is moderated by improved trade flows and increased use of by-products. Buyer risk balances high supplier concentration against improving sustainability frameworks and regional diversification efforts.

 

Why This Matters for Buyers

For fertilizer producers and distributors, rising fish meal demand amid import dependence underscores the importance of aligning procurement with fishing seasons, typically peaking in Q1 and Q3. Moderate pricing conditions support forward contracting strategies, but exposure to quota changes and weather-related supply shocks necessitates diversified sourcing and inventory buffers. Buyers that integrate sustainability-certified suppliers and alternative by-product sources are better positioned to secure continuity and regulatory compliance.

 

Conclusion

The Asia Pacific fish meal market in 2026 presents a growth-oriented but risk-aware environment for fertilizer buyers, defined by rising organic agriculture demand and persistent import reliance on Latin American producers. While pricing remains broadly manageable and trade flows have stabilized, seasonal supply constraints, supplier concentration, and sustainability requirements continue to shape procurement strategies. Buyers that adopt multi-origin sourcing, secure forward contracts aligned with fishing cycles, and prioritize traceable, certified supply will be best equipped to manage medium risk while capitalizing on expanding organic fertilizer opportunities across the region.