Chemically modified fats and oils market in Germany, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for chemically modified fats and oils in Germany showed variable volume from 2018 to 2022, with physical market size rising from 635 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 694 thousand tons in 2020, then dipping to 611 thousand tons in 2021 before recovering to 649 thousand tons in 2022. In value terms, the market expanded significantly from 403.9 million USD in 2018 to 795.6 million USD in 2022, indicating substantial price increases or a shift toward higher-value products.

In 2023, the market volume contracted sharply to 352 thousand tons, while production fell to a minimal level. The following year saw a partial rebound to 552 thousand tons. This recovery coincided with a shift in consumer preferences toward plant-based margarines as healthier alternatives, which boosted demand for chemically modified fats and oils used in such products. Additionally, increased sustainable palm oil production by Wilmar International and new high-oleic soybean oil programs from ADM enhanced the availability of specialized raw materials for the industry.

Market value in 2024 settled at 416.9 million USD, closer to pre-2020 levels, suggesting a normalization of prices after the earlier surge.

Production chemically modified fats and oils in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Germany's production of chemically modified fats and oils has rebounded. In 2020, output reached 95.5 million US dollars, marking a modest increase of 7.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 8.1%, with an average annual decline of 2.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 88.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 13.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany maintained its position as the world's leading producer of chemically modified fats and oils from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of chemically modified fats and oils, 2017-2020

World map of production of chemically modified fats and oils, 2017-2020

Following two years of contraction, Germany's production of chemically modified fats and oils has shown growth. In 2020, output totaled 249.4 thousand tonnes, representing a slight year-on-year increase of 2.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 242.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 3.0% drop.

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

Exports chemically modified fats and oils from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany exported 278.1 thousand tonnes of chemically modified fats and oils in 2020, reflecting a solid 10.1% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 26.4%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 8.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 20.2%, while the most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 4.5% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Italy were the primary destinations for Germany's exports of chemically modified fats and oils by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 49.5% of exports, Ireland for 12.8%, and Italy for 7.3%. Together, these three countries represented 69.7% of Germany's total export 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

Germany's exports of chemically modified fats and oils reached 222.9 million US dollars in 2020, showing a sharp increase of 26.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 23.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 176.6 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 10.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Italy consistently ranked as Germany's top export markets for chemically modified fats and oils by value. The Netherlands accounted for 40.3% of export value, Ireland for 14.2%, and Italy for 7.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 62.4% of Germany's 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 chemically modified fats and oils to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of chemically modified fats and oils have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 722.7 thousand tonnes, showing a steady year-on-year growth of 9.7%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 48.9%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 14.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Poland consistently served as Germany's main sources of chemically modified fats and oils by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 54.8% of imports, Slovakia for 9.7%, and Poland for 6.0%. Together, these three countries represented 70.5% of Germany's total import volume.

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 imports of chemically modified fats and oils amounted to 646.6 million US dollars in 2020, reflecting a substantial year-on-year increase of 33.9%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 52%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 15.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 3.1% decrease.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Indonesia formed Germany's key group of suppliers for chemically modified fats and oils by value. The Netherlands accounted for 55.1% of import value, Slovakia for 9.6%, and Indonesia for 6.6%. Together, these three countries represented 71.3% of Germany's total import value.

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

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