Peru Anchoveta Quotas and Fishmeal Trade — 2026-09-08
Peru’s fishery sector faced a sharp contraction in July with a 27.4% decline in production due to the suspension of anchoveta fishing, driven by El Niño conditions and low biomass. Meanwhile, global fishmeal markets are adjusting to the supply crunch, with China turning to alternative suppliers like Vietnam and India while domestic output pressures super-prime prices.
Peru Anchoveta Quotas and Fishmeal Trade — 2026-09-08
Top developments
Peruvian fishery production drops 27.4% in July
Data released on September 1, 2026, revealed that Peru’s fishing sector contracted by 27.4% year-on-year in July. This significant decline is directly attributed to the suspension of anchoveta capture, which halted operations for the primary industrial fishery. The drop highlights the immediate economic impact of the quota suspensions and biological restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) to protect the stock amid unfavorable environmental conditions.
China diversifies fishmeal imports away from Peru
As Peru’s anchovy season remains suspended or limited, Chinese buyers are actively shifting supply chains to mitigate shortages. Recent trade insights indicate that China’s imports from Vietnam jumped 55.7% year-on-year to 25,494 tons in June, making Vietnam the largest supplier for that month. Purchases from India have also increased, reflecting a strategic move to secure marine ingredients amidst the global supply crunch caused by Peru’s low biomass and El Niño effects.
Super-prime fishmeal prices stabilize despite inventory shifts
As of September 4, 2026, super-prime fishmeal prices have held steady even as Chinese inventories continue to rise. The market is balancing the pressure from increased domestic Chinese output, which has pushed local prices down, against the tight global supply resulting from Peru’s reduced availability. Industry players are evaluating the long-term effects of this year's El Niño, with expectations that Peru may not significantly increase production until next year, keeping a floor under international prices.
Local view
Local media reports emphasize the severity of the biological constraints on the anchoveta stock. Diario de Chimbote highlighted that PRODUCE concluded the first season of 2026 early after IMARPE warned of unfavorable environmental and biological conditions. The report notes that the current suspension and low quotas are causing significant operational challenges for the fleet, with stakeholders concerned about the sector's performance for the remainder of the year.
Context & numbers
- July Production Drop: -27.4% year-on-year due to anchoveta suspension.
- Vietnam Exports to China: 25,494 tons in June (+55.7% YoY), surpassing traditional suppliers.
- El Niño Status: NOAA and WMO updates from late August/early September indicate ongoing warming patterns in the central-eastern equatorial Pacific, with positive anomalies persisting, which continues to suppress anchoveta biomass recovery.
On the radar
- IMARPE Biomass Assessment: Following the expiration of recent suspensions, IMARPE is expected to release new data determining if fishing can resume before the close of the current season windows. Results will be critical for Q4 quota adjustments.
- Chinese Domestic Output: Monitor trends in Chinese domestic marine ingredient production, which is currently dampening local prices and reducing the urgency for high-priced Peruvian imports.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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