Peru Anchoveta Quotas and Fishmeal Trade — 2026-09-03
Peru’s fishing sector faced a significant contraction in July, with landings dropping 27.4% due to the suspension of the North-Central anchoveta season. Meanwhile, China is aggressively shifting its fishmeal sourcing to Vietnam and India as domestic inventories rise and Peruvian supply remains constrained by El Niño conditions.
Peru Anchoveta Quotas and Fishmeal Trade — 2026-09-03
Top developments
Peru’s July Fishing Output Plummets 27.4%
Peruvian fishing activity contracted sharply in July 2026, with overall output falling 27.4% year-on-year. This decline is directly attributed to the government's suspension of anchoveta capture in the North-Central zone, which accounts for the majority of the country's catch. The suspension was enforced after IMARPE reported excessive juvenile biomass and unfavorable environmental conditions, halting operations that typically drive the sector's volume.
China Shifts Fishmeal Sourcing to Vietnam and India
Chinese buyers are increasingly turning to alternative suppliers to mitigate the impact of the Peruvian anchovy shutdown. In June, China’s imports from Vietnam surged 55.7% year-on-year to 25,494 metric tons, making Vietnam the country's largest supplier for that month. Purchases from India also rose, reflecting a strategic diversification away from the volatile Peruvian market.
Super Prime Fishmeal Prices in China Fall Amid Rising Stocks
Despite the global supply crunch, super prime fishmeal prices in China declined recently due to rising domestic inventories and increased local production. Imported prices from Peru continued to drop as local supply pressures mounted, leading to higher stock levels at major Chinese ports. This trend suggests that short-term domestic availability is currently outweighing the long-term scarcity concerns associated with the El Niño event.
PRODUCE Sets Direct Consumption Quota at 75,000 Tons
The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) established a maximum capture limit of 75,000 metric tons for anchoveta destined for direct human consumption (CHD) for the remainder of 2026. This quota, set via Resolution Ministerial N.° 00301-2026-PRODUCE published on August 28, highlights the government's effort to balance industrial fishmeal production with the demand for canned and frozen anchoveta.
El Niño Conditions Persist Through Spring 2027
Oceanographic forecasts indicate that strong-to-moderate El Niño conditions will persist through March-April 2027. The International Research Institute for Climate and Society notes little indication of a transition away from El Niño before spring 2027. This prolonged anomaly continues to suppress the Humboldt Current upwelling, directly limiting anchoveta biomass recovery and keeping global marine ingredient supplies tight.
Local view
Local media outlets like Diario de Chimbote are focusing heavily on the regulatory impacts of the quota reductions. The outlet describes the 75,000-ton direct consumption cap as a "mezquina" (meager) figure, reflecting local industry concerns about the strictness of the new limits. Furthermore, Gestión reports that the government has reactedively increased the giant squid (pota) quota by over 82,000 tons to a total of 709,659 tons for 2026, attempting to offset some of the economic losses from the anchoveta suspension.
Context & numbers
- July Fishing Drop: -27.4% year-on-year.
- Vietnam Exports to China (June): 25,494 tons (+55.7% YoY).
- Direct Consumption Quota: 75,000 tons (2026 total).
- Pota Quota Increase: +82,000 tons (Total 2026: 709,659 tons).
On the radar
- Perico Season Start: PRODUCE has exceptionally opened the 2026-2027 Perico (John Dory) fishing season starting September 1, citing increased presence due to El Niño conditions.
- El Niño Forecast: NOAA and IRI forecasts suggest positive SST anomalies will persist, with no clear end date for the current El Niño event until early 2027.
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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