Aquaculture becomes the main driver of industry growth

   The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in its latest Food Outlook report, predicts that global seafood production will increase by 1.7% to 197 million tons in 2025, an increase of approximately 3.3 million tons compared to 2024. Aquaculture continues to be the main engine of industry growth.

   The report indicates that global wild catch production is expected to remain at 92.9 million tons, a slight increase of only 0.7% from the previous year. Due to restrictions imposed by scientific fishing recommendations, many countries will reduce catches of key fishery resources such as cod, haddock, and mackerel. In contrast, aquaculture production is projected to increase by 2.7% to 104.1 million tons. Although tilapia farming growth is slowing, carp, salmon, catfish, and shrimp production have all seen significant increases.

   In terms of international trade, global seafood trade volume is projected to grow by 2.1% in 2025, with total exports expected to jump 5% to US$193.3 billion, and trade volume reaching approximately 70.3 million tons.

   Regarding prices, the FAO Fish Price Index rebounded to 121 points in September after declining at the beginning of the year, slightly higher than the initial level. Wild-caught prices saw a significant increase, with the price index for mid-to-upper-level fish (excluding tuna) surging by 50 points. Farmed prices generally recovered, with shrimp prices ending their slump and rising by 11 points, while salmon prices fell by 11 points due to increased supply. Global per capita seafood consumption is projected to rise slightly by 0.4% to 21.4 kg per year. Wild-caught seafood consumption is expected to decline by 2.4% to 8.7 kg, while farmed seafood consumption is expected to increase by 2.5% to 12.7 kg.

   The FAO believes that global seafood trade and aquaculture will maintain steady growth in 2025, but factors such as pressure on wild fishery resources and climate change will continue to pose challenges to the industry.