Global fish consumption reached 180.07 million metric tons in 2021.

Fish is a commodity widely consumed by the world's population. In some countries, fish is a staple food, while in others it is merely a supplementary food.

According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), global fish consumption amounted to 180.07 million metric tons in 2021. This figure represents a 1.02% increase compared to the average consumption from 2018-2020, which was 178.3 million metric tons. By 2030, fish consumption is projected to rise to 200.6 million metric tons.

Developing countries consume more fish than developed countries. Fish consumption in developing countries totaled 143.5 million metric tons in 2021. Meanwhile, fish consumption in developed countries amounted to 36.6 million metric tons.

Global fish production was recorded at 180.02 million metric tons in 2021. This is a 1.25% increase from the average production from 2018-2020, which was 177.8 million tons. Of the 180.07 million metric tons of fish produced, 84.01 million metric tons originated from aquaculture.

According to the OECD, the majority of fish production growth is in developing countries, particularly in Asia. Asia is also projected to be the largest consumer of fish (72%) in the world by 2030. Conversely, the lowest fish consumption is found in Oceania (1%).

By 2030, China is projected to be the world's largest producer and consumer of fish. Chinese fish consumption is predicted to reach 37% of total global fish consumption.

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