Exporting Fishmeal and Fish Oil to the US — US Aquaculture and Pet Food Buyers

Fishmeal and fish oil are essential ingredients in the US aquaculture and pet food industries, serving as primary sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The United States is one of the world's largest importers of these commodities, with demand driven by a growing aquaculture sector and an expanding premium pet food market. Latin America, particularly Peru and Chile, dominates global production, making the region a critical supplier for US buyers seeking reliable, high-quality inputs. This page provides a comprehensive overview of the fishmeal and fish oil trade from Latin America to the United States, covering product specifications, supplier landscapes, buyer profiles, certifications, pricing context, and how Coppermont facilitates these connections.

Product Specifications and Grades Relevant to US Buyers

Fishmeal is classified primarily by protein content and quality. The most common grades are: super prime (68-70% protein), prime (65-67% protein), and standard (62-64% protein). Super prime fishmeal, typically made from whole anchovy or sardine, is prized for its high digestibility and amino acid profile, making it ideal for aquaculture feeds, especially for salmon, shrimp, and trout. Prime and standard grades are often used in poultry, swine, and pet food, where cost considerations balance nutritional needs. US buyers in aquaculture require fishmeal with low ash content (under 18%), low histamine levels (under 500 ppm for super prime), and high protein digestibility. Fish oil is graded by omega-3 content (EPA and DHA), with crude fish oil containing around 25-35% omega-3s, while refined oil can exceed 50%. Pet food manufacturers increasingly demand fish oil with high antioxidant stability (low peroxide value) to extend shelf life. The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) set guidelines for these products, with AAFCO defining fishmeal as a feed ingredient with minimum crude protein of 60% and maximum crude fiber of 5%. [1]

Latin America and Africa Supplier Landscape

Latin America is the world's leading supplier of fishmeal and fish oil, accounting for over 40% of global production. Peru is the largest producer, with annual fishmeal output averaging 1.5 million metric tons, primarily from anchoveta (Engraulis ringens). Key Peruvian producers include Pesquera Diamante, Tecnológica de Alimentos (TASA), and Corporación Pesquera Inca (COPEINCA). These companies operate under strict quotas managed by the Peruvian government to ensure sustainability. Chile is the second-largest producer in the region, with production centered on the southern regions, producing around 300,000 metric tons annually, mainly from jack mackerel and sardine. Ecuador and Mexico also contribute, though at smaller scales. Africa, while a smaller player, is emerging: Mauritania, Morocco, and Senegal produce fishmeal from small pelagic species, with annual output around 200,000 metric tons combined. However, Latin America remains the dominant source for US imports due to proximity, established trade routes, and consistent quality. [2] The US imported approximately 240,000 metric tons of fishmeal in 2022, with Peru supplying nearly 60% of that volume. [3]

US Buyer Types — Who Buys This, How They Procure, What Specs Matter

The US market for fishmeal and fish oil can be segmented into two primary buyer categories: aquaculture feed manufacturers and pet food producers. Aquaculture buyers include companies like Cargill Aqua Nutrition, Skretting, and BioMar, which produce feeds for salmon, trout, shrimp, and tilapia. These buyers procure fishmeal in bulk (20-50 metric ton lots) via long-term contracts (6-12 months) to ensure supply stability. Key specifications include protein content (minimum 65%), histamine levels, and trace mineral profiles. They also require certifications like Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for sustainability and ISO 9001 for quality management. Pet food buyers include major companies like Mars Petcare, Nestlé Purina, and Hill's Pet Nutrition, which use fishmeal and fish oil for premium dry and wet pet foods. These buyers often require fish oil with high omega-3 content (minimum 30% EPA+DHA) and low oxidation levels. Procurement is typically through spot purchases or quarterly contracts, with a focus on consistent fatty acid profiles and heavy metal limits (arsenic, lead, mercury) compliant with FDA guidelines. Both buyer types increasingly demand traceability from catch to processing, with blockchain-based systems gaining traction. [4]

Certifications and Import Requirements

Importing fishmeal and fish oil into the US requires compliance with several regulatory bodies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the safety of animal feed ingredients under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Fishmeal must meet FDA's standards for adulteration and contamination, including limits on heavy metals and pesticides. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) may require permits for certain fish species to prevent introduction of diseases. Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) enforces the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) for certain species, though fishmeal is generally exempt. Certifications that add value for US buyers include: Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for sustainable fisheries; Friend of the Sea (FOS) certification for responsible sourcing; and GlobalG.A.P. for aquaculture feed safety. For organic pet food, fishmeal must be certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). US buyers also often require third-party lab analysis for each shipment, covering proximate analysis (protein, fat, ash, moisture), amino acid profile, and fatty acid profile. The American Organization of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods are standard for testing. [5]

Pricing and Lead Time Context

Fishmeal prices are highly volatile, driven by global supply (anchovy catches) and demand from China and the US. As of 2024, super prime fishmeal (68% protein) trades in the range of $1,800 to $2,200 per metric ton FOB Callao, Peru. Prime grade (65% protein) ranges from $1,500 to $1,800 per metric ton. Fish oil prices are similarly variable, with crude fish oil around $1,200 to $1,600 per metric ton, while refined, high-omega-3 oil can reach $2,500 per metric ton. Lead times from Latin America to US Gulf or East Coast ports are typically 10-14 days for containerized shipments and 15-20 days for bulk vessels. Buyers should factor in additional time for customs clearance (2-3 days) and potential delays during the anchovy fishing season closures (typically January-February and July-August in Peru). Seasonal availability affects pricing: prices tend to rise during the closed seasons when inventories tighten. Long-term contracts can mitigate price risk, with buyers often negotiating fixed prices for 6-12 months with volume commitments. [6]

How Coppermont Connects Suppliers to Buyers

Coppermont serves as a strategic advisory and sourcing partner, connecting Latin American fishmeal and fish oil suppliers with US aquaculture and pet food buyers. We leverage our deep network in Peru, Chile, and Ecuador to identify suppliers that meet the specific quality and certification requirements of US buyers. For suppliers, Coppermont provides market intelligence, compliance guidance, and buyer introductions. We help suppliers navigate US import regulations, arrange third-party testing, and structure logistics from port to plant. For US buyers, we offer supplier vetting, contract negotiation support, and supply chain monitoring. Our team conducts on-site audits of processing facilities to verify MSC certification, HACCP compliance, and traceability systems. We also facilitate sample shipments and trial orders to ensure product consistency. By bridging the gap between Latin American production and US demand, Coppermont reduces procurement risk and accelerates market entry. Whether you are a supplier seeking US buyers or a buyer looking for reliable supply, Coppermont provides end-to-end support. Contact us to discuss your specific needs and explore partnership opportunities. [7]

Ready to Source or Supply Fishmeal and Fish Oil?

For suppliers: Are you a fishmeal or fish oil producer in Latin America or Africa looking to enter the US market? Coppermont can help you connect with leading US buyers. Get in touch to learn more. For buyers: Need a reliable source of high-quality fishmeal or fish oil? Let Coppermont find the right supplier for your aquaculture or pet food business. Reach out today.