Between 2014 and 2023, the demand for freshwater fish in Malaysia saw fluctuations, peaking at 210.48 thousand metric tons in 2015 and hitting a low of 164.34 thousand metric tons in 2020. The demand gradually recovered to 195.96 thousand metric tons in 2023, reflecting a minor decrease of 0.34% from the previous year, with a five-year CAGR of -0.47%. The demand experienced notable volatility, particularly in 2016 (-11.97%) and 2020 (-17.3%), followed by periods of recovery. The CAGR over the last five years was reflective of marginal negative growth.
Looking forward, the forecast from 2024 to 2028 suggests a further moderate decline in demand, with a five-year CAGR projected at -0.27%. By 2028, the demand for freshwater fish is anticipated to be 191.89 thousand metric tons, implying a total reduction of 1.35% over this period.
Future trends to watch for include potential changes in environmental policies, technological advancements in aquaculture, and evolving consumer preferences toward sustainability and health, which could impact the overall demand and supply dynamics of freshwater fish in Malaysia.
