China’s dietary supplement market is showing strong momentum for fish oil, with the ingredient emerging as the fastest-growing category of dietary supplement imports in the first half of 2026. The latest industry report highlights increasing demand for fish oil products, changing international sourcing patterns and new opportunities across the global Omega-3 supply chain.
According to a report by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines and Health Products (CCCMHPIE), the value of China’s fish oil supplement imports rose by 60.07% year-on-year to US$384 million during January–June 2026. Fish oil accounted for 9.97% of the country’s total dietary supplement imports during this period.
These figures highlight the growing importance of fish oil in the global nutraceutical industry and the need for reliable sourcing of quality Omega-3 ingredients.
Key Highlights of China’s Fish Oil Market in 2026
The latest market report reveals several important developments:
- Fish oil imports: Import value increased by 60.07% year-on-year to US$384 million in the first half of 2026.
- Online sales growth: Fish oil product sales on Chinese e-commerce platforms increased by 44.91%.
- Peruvian export growth: The value of Peru’s dietary supplement exports to China rose by 182.8% to US$175 million.
- Growing market share: Fish oil represented 9.97% of China’s dietary supplement imports and 6.15% of online supplement sales.
Together, these figures point to strong commercial momentum for fish oil and Omega-3 products in China.
Why Is Demand for Fish Oil Increasing in China?
Fish oil is widely used in Omega-3 dietary supplements because it contains the important fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These ingredients are used in a variety of nutritional products, including softgel supplements and other health-focused formulations.
China’s expanding dietary supplement market and the popularity of fish oil products on online retail platforms are contributing to the category’s growth.
According to the report, fish oil online sales increased by 44.91% year-on-year in the first half of 2026. Although multivitamins remained the largest category by online sales share, fish oil demonstrated particularly strong growth.
For ingredient suppliers and supplement manufacturers, this trend highlights the importance of dependable raw material sourcing, product quality and consistent supply.
Peru Emerges as an Important Supplier
One of the most notable developments in the report is the rapid increase in China’s imports from Peru.
The value of Peru’s dietary supplement exports to China rose from US$62 million in the first half of 2025 to US$175 million in the corresponding period of 2026, representing growth of 182.8%.
The report identifies the expansion of sourcing channels for raw materials, including deep-sea fish oil, as an important part of this development.
The changing trade landscape suggests that international buyers are increasingly exploring a wider range of sourcing markets. For businesses involved in fish oil processing and Omega-3 ingredient supply, this reinforces the importance of understanding global raw material availability and maintaining diversified procurement strategies.
What Does This Mean for the Global Omega-3 Industry?
The growth in China’s fish oil imports offers several insights for the broader Omega-3 industry.
1. Increasing demand for quality ingredients
As fish oil products gain popularity, supplement manufacturers need reliable access to ingredients that meet their required quality specifications. Factors such as fatty acid composition, oxidation indicators, traceability and consistency are important considerations when selecting suppliers.
2. Diversification of international supply chains
The significant increase in imports associated with Peru, alongside changing trade patterns involving other countries, demonstrates the evolving nature of international sourcing.
Diversified supply chains can help businesses manage procurement risks, although availability, pricing, quality and regulatory requirements must still be evaluated carefully.
3. Opportunities for fish oil processors and ingredient suppliers
Rising demand for finished fish oil supplements can create opportunities throughout the supply chain, from raw material procurement and refining to the supply of concentrated EPA and DHA oils.
For manufacturers and B2B ingredient suppliers, understanding customer requirements and maintaining dependable production and quality systems can support long-term commercial relationships.
4. Greater importance of quality assurance
Market growth does not remove the need for rigorous quality control. Fish oil buyers should consider relevant specifications, including acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (p-AV), total oxidation value (TOTOX), and EPA/DHA content, as applicable to the product and agreed specification.
Appropriate testing, traceability and storage practices are essential to maintaining ingredient quality throughout the supply chain.
The Role of Reliable Fish Oil Manufacturing
As international demand for Omega-3 ingredients evolves, reliable manufacturing and supply capabilities remain important for nutraceutical brands and supplement producers.
Businesses sourcing fish oil ingredients should evaluate suppliers based on product specifications, quality documentation, consistency between batches, traceability and their ability to meet agreed delivery requirements.
For manufacturers, the goal is not simply to meet growing demand, but to supply ingredients that consistently satisfy customer and regulatory requirements.
At Nutragen Bio Actives, we recognise the importance of quality, consistency and dependable supply in the Omega-3 ingredient industry. As a B2B fish oil manufacturer, we focus on fish oil ingredients for businesses involved in Omega-3 processing and nutritional product manufacturing.
Looking Ahead
China’s fish oil import growth in the first half of 2026 highlights the expanding commercial significance of the Omega-3 category. Strong import growth, rising online sales and evolving international sourcing patterns are important developments for fish oil manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and nutraceutical businesses.
However, import growth alone does not guarantee future market performance. Raw material availability, international trade conditions, product quality requirements and pricing will continue to influence the industry.
For companies operating in the global fish oil market, monitoring these developments can help inform sourcing decisions, supply planning and long-term business strategies.
Looking for a fish oil ingredient supplier? Contact Nutragen Bio Actives to discuss your B2B fish oil and Omega-3 ingredient requirements.
Source: NutraIngredients, “China’s dietary supplement imports: Fish oil fastest-growing category in H1 2026,” published October 21, 2026. Market figures are based on the report by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines and Health Products (CCCMHPIE).
This article is intended for industry information and market analysis. Import growth figures refer to the reported value of imports and should not be interpreted as equivalent growth in physical import volume.