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Global fisheries and aquaculture production is expected to reach a total of 197 million tonnes in 2025, according to the FAO’s November Food Outlook, the UN agency's biannual report on global food markets. This represents an increase of 3.3 million tonnes, or 1.7%, compared with 2024.
The organisation forecasts that the volume of seafood from wild-capture fisheries in 2025 will remain broadly stable at 92.9 million tonnes, rising very slightly by 0.7%, in the context of major fishing quota cuts recommended by scientists for some cod, haddock and mackerel stocks.
Aquaculture remains the main source of growth, the FAO figures show. The FAO estimates that farmed output in 2025 will increase by 2.7 million tonnes compared with 2024, a rise of 2.7%. While tilapia volumes remain stable, production of carp, salmon, catfish and shrimp have all expanded this year, which the FAO says is driving the sector’s overall gains.
The FAO also reports that global trade in aquatic products has expanded in 2025, rising overall by 2.1% in terms of volume relative to 2024. Shrimp, the highest-value commodity in international seafood trade, showed particularly strong market activity as both demand and supply increased. Salmon and tuna shipments also grew, but lower catch volumes reduced sales of some groundfish and pelagic species.
The FAO highlights Vietnam, Ecuador and India as the main contributors to export growth of seafood this year. Vietnam is projected to have increased its export earnings in 2025 by USD 1 billion, supported by higher shipments of frozen pangasius fillets and live lobster.
Meanwhile, shrimp continues to be the key seafood export for both Ecuador and India in 2025. Ecuador is expected to increase seafood exports by USD 900 million by the close of the year, mainly through increased sales of frozen raw shrimp, while India’s exports are set to rise by USD 800 million compared with the previous year, led by frozen raw and processed shrimp.
After falling during the first five months of 2025, the FAO Fish Price Index recovered and stood at 121 points in September, one point above its January level. Capture-fish prices rose sharply over the period, with whitefish increasing by 11 points due to reduced supply, and pelagics, excluding tuna, climbing by 50 points.
Price movements for farmed species were mixed, however. The FAO reports that shrimp prices strengthened by 11 points during 2025, ending a prolonged slump, while salmon prices declined by 11 points amid higher output.