Generated by 230 Economic Territories, Global Fisheries, Aquaculture Production Trade Hits $184bn

Global trade in aquatic animal products has achieved a new record, generating $184 billion in 2025 and now standing as a strong competitor to the terrestrial meat trade in terms of value. This surge is detailed in the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) latest State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA 2026) report, presented at the 11th Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.

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At $184 billion, trade in aquatic animal products continues to hit record highs and now rivals terrestrial meat trade in value. Ensuring sustainable and equitable growth of marine and inland ecosystems, however, remains a key challenge, according to the latest State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA 2026) report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The report highlights that global production of aquatic resources reached an unprecedented 235 million tonnes in 2024, with aquaculture being the primary driver of this growth. The aquaculture subsector alone surpassed 100 million tonnes in aquatic animal production in 2024. Globally, an estimated 21.3 kg of aquatic animal foods were available per capita for consumption. These products contribute 15 percent of the world's total animal protein and provide at least 20 percent for over 40 percent of the global population.

International trade in aquatic products involved nearly 230 economic territories, with aquatic animal products accounting for $184 billion of the total revenue. The sector also shows significant employment growth, with over 65 million workers in the primary sector, supporting the livelihoods of more than 600 million people. The FAO emphasizes its "Blue Transformation" vision is translating into tangible results through collaboration with various stakeholders.

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In 2024, this subsector surpassed a record 100 million tonnes of aquatic animal production. In the same year, an estimated 21.3 kg per capita of aquatic animal foods were available for consumption globally. Aquatic animal foods contributed 15 percent of animal protein availability globally; and provided at least 20 percent of animal protein availability for over 40 percent of the world’s population in 2023.

While the overall value of trade in aquatic products represented 9 percent of total agricultural trade and about 1 percent of all merchandise trade, the report also points to challenges. Ensuring sustainable and equitable growth of marine and inland ecosystems remains a key concern, according to the FAO.

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It highlights how FAO, with Members, communities, institutions, industry and partners, is translating its Blue Transformation vision into measurable results.