Brazil’s aquaculture industry production hit more than 900,000 tonnes in 2024 – Brazilian Farming Fish Association
The country’s fish farming industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by tilapia production, exports, and investment in infrastructure.
BRAZIL – Brazil’s aquaculture industry has seen continued growth, reaching a record 968,745 tonnes of farmed fish in 2024, marking a 9.21% rise compared to the previous year.
The data, released by the Brazilian Farming Fish Association (Peixe BR), shows that the sector’s expansion is the highest recorded in the past decade of the association’s survey.
Tilapia has remained the dominant species, with production jumping 14.36% to reach 662,230 tonnes, making up 68.36% of the total farmed fish produced in the country.
This increase in tilapia production is attributed to strategic investments in farming infrastructure, genetic improvements, and more efficient feed systems.
Brazil has also strengthened its position in global markets, becoming the second-largest exporter of fresh tilapia fillets to the United States.
In contrast, the production of native fish species dropped by 1.81%, totaling 258,705 tonnes, continuing a downward trend seen in the Northern regions, where native fish farming is concentrated.
Despite the decline in supply, native fish prices have risen, signaling potential growth in the market if production levels stabilize.
The report from Peixe BR stresses the need for enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors to address the ongoing challenges in native fish farming.
Other farmed species, such as pangasius, carp, and trout, saw a production increase of 7.5%, with pangasius farming expanding notably in northeastern Brazil.
Paraná emerged as the leading state in fish production in 2024, increasing its output by 17.35% to 250,315 tonnes, contributing to 25% of Brazil’s total production.
Investment from Brazilian fish farmers and cooperatives continues to improve farming techniques and processing infrastructure across the country.
The industry is also awaiting Senate Bill 4.470/2024, which aims to simplify regulations and improve competitiveness, with hopes that it will remove bureaucratic barriers and stimulate further growth.
Exports of Brazilian farmed fish grew by 102% in volume, reaching 13,792 metric tonnes, and by 138% in value, totaling US$59 million, with the majority coming from tilapia exports to the US.
The United States remains Brazil’s largest market for farmed fish, accounting for 89% of export revenue, or US$52.2 million.
Since 2020, Brazil’s share of the US tilapia market has grown dramatically, from being the eighth-largest supplier to now holding the fourth spot, with a staggering 718% increase in sales.
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