Why More Buyers Are Turning to High Acid Fish Oil in 2025 – Industrial Insights

High Acid Fish Oil (HAFO) is no longer considered a “low-grade byproduct.”
In 2025, it has become one of the fastest-growing commodities in the global marine oils market — driven by rising industrial demand, cost competitiveness, and expanding applications across multiple sectors. As the price gap between refined fish oil and HAFO widens, more buyers are strategically shifting to high-acid products for feed, aquaculture, oleochemicals, and bio-industrial uses.

This article explains what’s behind the shift, which industries are leading demand, and what exporters must prepare for in 2025.

1. Rising Prices of Refined Fish Oil Push Buyers Toward HAFO

The global refined fish oil market has undergone a major price surge due to:

• 🐟 Lower Peru anchovy quotas

• 🌧️ El Niño-related supply shortages

• 🌍 Higher demand from nutraceutical and omega-3 industries

As a result, buyers — especially in feed, poultry, and aquaculture — are switching to High Acid Fish Oil because it offers:

✔️ More stable pricing

✔️ Similar energy value for feed

✔️ Consistent year-round availability

✔️ Better suitability for industrial chemical processes

This shift is expected to continue throughout 2025.

2. Modern Extraction Technologies Improve HAFO Quality

Countries such as Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Pakistan are upgrading their processing infrastructure. New systems allow processors to:

• Optimize oil extraction efficiency

• Monitor FFA (free fatty acid) stability

• Reduce impurities

• Increase filtration quality

• Produce more consistent HAFO suitable for export

This has helped High Acid Fish Oil gain credibility among large industrial buyers that previously preferred refined grades only.

3. Animal Feed & Aquaculture Lead the Demand Surge

High Acid Fish Oil is a high-energy, cost-effective ingredient widely used in:

• 🐓 Poultry feed

• 🐟 Fish feed & aquaculture diets

• 🐶 Pet food formulations

• 🏭 Industrial fat blends

Because HAFO still contains valuable fatty acids (EPA/DHA), it serves as a strong alternative to refined fish oil, especially in cost-sensitive markets.

In 2025, industry analysts report 10–18% growth in HAFO demand across these sectors.

4. Key Import Markets Expanding in 2025

More countries are increasing imports of High Acid Fish Oil, including:

🌏 Asia-Pacific

• China

• India

• Vietnam

• Indonesia

• Malaysia

• Philippines

🌍 Middle East

• UAE

• Oman

• Saudi Arabia

🌎 Africa

• Kenya

• Ghana

• Nigeria

Growing livestock and aquaculture industries are the primary drivers.

5. Exporters Must Adapt to New Buyer Requirements

Even though HAFO is less strict than refined fish oil, buyers in 2025 now request:

• 🌡️ Stable FFA levels

• 🧪 Clear COA (Certificate of Analysis)

• 🔍 Traceability: catching zone, species mix

• 🧴 Improved packaging (tight-seal drums/IBC)

• 🚢 Faster loading & logistics transparency

Exporters that meet these requirements see higher repeat orders and better pricing.

6. Documentation & Traceability Become a Key Market Advantage

Major buyers — especially in the Middle East and Asia — are becoming stricter about documentation.
Providing detailed COA data helps exporters stand out:

• FFA (Free Fatty Acid)

• Moisture & impurities

• Peroxide value

• Iodine value

• Color

• Species breakdown

Exporters who document their production line and supply chain gain higher trust and larger order volumes.

7. Sustainability and Byproduct Utilization Boost HAFO Adoption

Countries promoting responsible fishing and byproduct utilization are supporting HAFO growth because:

• Less waste from fishmeal production

• Full use of marine byproducts

• Support for circular economy initiatives

• Reduced environmental footprint

This aligns with the sustainability goals of many global buyers.

Conclusion: HAFO Is Becoming a Strategic Commodity in 2025

High Acid Fish Oil is no longer just an inexpensive alternative — it is now a strategic ingredient in global feed, industrial, and oleochemical sectors. With competitive pricing, consistent supply, and broader industrial applications, HAFO demand is expected to grow throughout 2025.

Exporters who maintain strong COA documentation, stable quality, and reliable logistics will win the market this year.

📞 Contact Rich Moon

Francis – Sales Executive
📧 Email: sale4@richmoon.com.vn
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