Beef, sheep or goat fat market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch market for beef, sheep, and goat fat underwent considerable changes from 2018 to 2024. Market volume in tonnes rose from 82,236 t in 2018 to a high of 112,484 t in 2021, then fell back to 51,415 t by 2024. Similarly, the market value peaked at $113.9 million in 2021 after starting at $56.2 million in 2018, ending the period at $62.6 million.

A key component of this movement was import activity. Imports jumped to 96,992 t in 2021, up from 65,142 t in 2020, providing a substantial boost to market size. In the following years, import volumes receded, dropping to 32,114 t in 2024, which pulled the overall market down.

Domestic production declined throughout the period, from 63,372 t in 2018 to 33,195 t in 2024, further emphasizing the role of trade. The market's dependence on imports made it sensitive to shifts in international supply and demand conditions.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in the Netherlands

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the Netherlands produced beef, sheep, or goat fat valued at 38 269 thousand US dollars, marking a 19.8% year-over-year increase. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 31 932 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 40 693 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline was observed in 2019, dropping by 21.5%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.2%, averaging an annualized rate of 3.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands ranked 22nd globally in the production of beef, sheep, or goat fat.

Top producers of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2017-2020

In 2020, the Netherlands produced 55 496 tonnes of beef, sheep, or goat fat, representing a 6.4% increase from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 52 175 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 with 63 372 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 17.7%, whereas the most substantial increase was in 2018, rising by 14.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, the Netherlands exported 21 585 tonnes of beef, sheep, or goat fat, showing a significant reduction of 20.3% compared to 2019. Exports peaked in 2019 at 27 070 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 11.8%. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 14.7%, averaging an annualized decline of 5.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany and Belgium were the dominant destinations for the Netherlands' exports of beef, sheep, or goat fat in kind, jointly accounting for 81.9% of total flows, while other countries held much smaller shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of beef, sheep, or goat fat exports from the Netherlands was 21 536 thousand US dollars, indicating a gradual decline of 7.9% from 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 5.3%. Over the period 2017-2020, exports decreased by 10.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and Hungary remained the primary buyers of beef, sheep, or goat fat from the Netherlands in value terms. Germany accounted for 44.4% of exports, Belgium for 33.5%, and Hungary for 5.7%, collectively forming 83.5% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020

Imports beef, sheep or goat fat to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat into the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 65 142 tonnes, a strong rise of 25.0% from 2019. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 43 085 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 16.3%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 26.5%, averaging an annualized rate of 8.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017-2020, Germany, Ireland, and Uruguay were the main sources of beef, sheep, or goat fat imports into the Netherlands in kind. Germany contributed 59.7% of imports, Ireland 10.3%, and Uruguay 7.7%, together absorbing 77.7% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat into the Netherlands rebounded in 2020, with a value of 53 311 thousand US dollars, a dramatic increase of 48.2% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 35 981 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 17.1%. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 17.3%, with a CAGR of 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Ireland, and Uruguay consistently led the import structure of beef, sheep, or goat fat into the Netherlands in value terms. Germany accounted for 61.4% of imports, Ireland for 9.6%, and Uruguay for 7.4%, jointly representing 78.3% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020