Beef, sheep or goat fat market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for beef, sheep, and goat fat in the United States grew steadily from 4.1 million tons in 2018 to 5.3 million tons in 2023, a 27.8% increase over the six-year period. This expansion was supported by a gradual rise in domestic production and a substantial surge in imports, which climbed from 137 000 tons to 795 000 tons.

By 2024, import volumes reached 880 000 tons, reflecting sustained demand driven by consumer trends favoring beef tallow as a flavorful and perceived healthier alternative to seed oils. This shift, aligned with high-fat dietary preferences, was reinforced by growing demand from food processing and food service businesses, while regulatory pressures on vegetable oil supplies in the European Union indirectly influenced global animal fat prices and trade flows.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

The United States was one of the world's top producers of beef, sheep, or goat fat from 2017 to 2020, ranking first globally by production volume.

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

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

Beef, sheep, or goat fat production in the United States rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 4 624 K t, showing a slight increase of 2.0% compared to 2019. Production hit its lowest point in 2018 at 4 435 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 5.5%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019, with a 2.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of beef, sheep, or goat fat production in the United States grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production was valued at 3 647 M $ US, reflecting a moderate advance of 9.9% over 2019. From 2017 to 2020, overall production value decreased by 2.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 101 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 17.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Beef, sheep, or goat fat exports from the United States fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volume totaled 403.1 K t, down 4.7% from the previous year. Exports peaked in 2018 at 445.4 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 10.6%. The biggest decline occurred in 2019, with a 5.0% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, Singapore, and Canada were the main buyers of beef, sheep, or goat fat from the United States in terms of volume. Mexico accounted for 55.0% of exports, Singapore for 21.2%, and Canada for 8.8%, together making up 85.0% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, beef, sheep, or goat fat exports from the United States increased in value. In 2020, exports were valued at 317.9 M $ US, marking a small rise of 2.7% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 309.4 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Mexico, Singapore, and Canada were the primary buyers of beef, sheep, or goat fat from the United States in value terms. Mexico held a 55.1% share of exports, Singapore 20.9%, and Canada 9.2%, collectively accounting for 85.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports beef, sheep or goat fat to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Beef, sheep, or goat fat imports into the United States grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 243.1 K t, showing a sharp increase of 26.6% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 198.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 44.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Canada was the leading source for imports in volume, accounting for 88.4% of total flows, with the remainder spread across various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Beef, sheep, or goat fat imports into the United States increased in value for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 203.8 M $ US, reflecting a sharp rise of 32.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value jumped by 236.7%, translating to an annualized rate of 49.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Canada dominated imports in value terms, with an 88.1% share of total flows, while other markets combined made up the rest.

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

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