Biodiesel market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the German biodiesel market volume declined from 2 974 thousand tons to 2 441 thousand tons. The drop in 2020 was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced overall fuel consumption, though mandatory blending obligations kept the biodiesel share stable. Earlier, the introduction of a 7% biodiesel blend (B7) mandate in 2018 and state support through the greenhouse gas reduction quota (THG-quota) laid the foundation for market stability.

Between 2021 and 2023, market volume partially recovered, reaching 2 460 thousand tons in 2023. The 2021 Biofuels Act (BKG) obligated mineral oil companies to use higher blends, and the approval of B10 biodiesel created a legal basis for increased mixing. In 2022, the blending rate was raised to 7% (B7) despite falling demand, supporting market volume. Additionally, the growth of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) products, which can be blended up to 26%, and new IMO rules for low-sulfur marine fuel in 2023 boosted demand for biodiesel.

In 2024, the market volume fell sharply to 1 968 thousand tons. This was linked to a 7% drop in biodiesel consumption in the first half of the year, alongside a significant increase in exports. The authorization of B10 blends and the introduction of HVO fuels at filling stations from May 2024 did not offset the decline in domestic consumption.

Production biodiesel in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's biodiesel production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 521 million US dollars, up 2.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 359 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 1.9%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 9.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Biodiesel production in Germany declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 3 369 thousand tonnes were produced, reflecting a slight decrease of 1.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 3.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports biodiesel from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's biodiesel export volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Germany exported 2 416 thousand tonnes, up 6.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 64.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 18.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Poland, and Belgium stood out as the main markets for Germany's biodiesel exports in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 39.6% of exports, Poland for 12.4%, and Belgium for 10.5%, together representing 62.5% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Biodiesel shipments from Germany increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 2 376 million US dollars, showing a strong year-on-year rise of 11.9%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 52.5%, with an annualized rate of 15.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, the Netherlands, Poland, and Belgium were the largest buyers of biodiesel from Germany in value terms. The Netherlands made up 38.1% of exports, Poland 11.4%, and Belgium 10.1%, together forming 59.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports biodiesel to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Foreign biodiesel supplies to Germany increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 488 thousand tonnes, a 5.5% gain compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 88.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 23.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets — the Netherlands, Belgium, and Malaysia — together accounted for 78.3% of total biodiesel imports in kind to Germany.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's biodiesel import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume was recorded at 1 612 million US dollars, reflecting an 18.2% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 80.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the three largest markets — the Netherlands, Belgium, and Malaysia — remained central to Germany's biodiesel imports in value terms, together taking 77.5% of total flows.

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

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