Expert view

Peru and Chile account for a significant share of global fishmeal and fish oil production, making this one of the most important sectors within the fishing industry. Both products are primarily used as ingredients in fish and animal feed.

Fishmeal is valued for its high protein content—typically above 65%—and its concentration of essential omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, making it a preferred option over plant-based alternatives. The chart below shows the main global applications of fishmeal, with aquaculture accounting for approximately 90% of worldwide use.

Rich in omega-3, fish oil is used both for direct human consumption as a dietary supplement and indirectly in feed formulations for fish and pets. China is the main export market for both products, although the domestic market also plays an important role, particularly due to demand from salmon feed producers.

Main Salmonid Species Farmed in Chile

Three salmonid species are farmed in Chile:

Atlantic salmon, coho or Pacific salmon, and trout.

• Atlantic Salmon: Considered the world’s most important farmed salmonid species. Its main markets are Europe, the United States, Russia, China, Brazil, and Japan. It is primarily produced in Norway, Chile, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. In 2025, global harvest volumes reached 3.101 million tonnes WFE.
• Coho Salmon: Primarily produced in Chile, with Japan as its most important market. In 2025, global harvest volumes exceeded 813 thousand tonnes WFE.
• Trout: Mainly produced in Chile, Norway, and the Faroe Islands, with Japan and Russia as its primary markets. In Chile, more than 46 thousand tonnes WFE were harvested in 2025.