Corn oil and fractions market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for corn oil and fractions in Germany more than tripled from 14 676 t in 2018 to 49 982 t in 2023. This surge was primarily fueled by a sharp increase in imports, which rose from 7 357 t to 32 890 t over the same period, while domestic production remained relatively stable between 17 400 t and 18 200 t. Exports, which had been around 10 000 t annually until 2020, collapsed to just 307 t in 2023, further amplifying the domestic supply.

The market's expansion in 2023 was supported by a shift in consumer preferences toward healthier and more versatile cooking oils. Growing awareness of health benefits and the stable development of the organic food sector, which saw a 5% sales increase to €16.1 billion, contributed to higher demand for corn oil. Major global companies like Archer-Daniels-Midland, Cargill, Bunge, and Louis Dreyfus Company are active in this market, reflecting its competitive dynamics.

In 2024, regulatory changes began to influence the market landscape. The revocation of approvals for two pesticides, effective from summer 2024, may impact corn cultivation and subsequent oil production. Simultaneously, new EU and national regulations introduced stricter limits on solvent emissions for oil mills, aiming to halve them by 2031. These developments coincided with a notable drop in imports to 14 544 t for the year, suggesting potential supply-side adjustments.

Production corn oil and fractions in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany ranked as the 21st largest producer of corn oil and fractions globally.

Top producers of corn oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of corn oil and fractions, 2017-2020

Germany's production of corn oil and fractions declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 17.5 K t, reflecting a moderate decrease of 3.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 5.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.8%.

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

Exports corn oil and fractions from Germany

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany's cross-border shipments of corn oil and fractions totaled 10 358 t, down 5.1% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 5.4%, with a CAGR of -1.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 0.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium was the leading destination for Germany's corn oil and fractions exports in volume terms, accounting for 78.6% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed among other partners.

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, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Germany's corn oil and fractions exports in value terms rebounded. In 2020, exports amounted to 9 351 K $ US, marking a 9.5% increase over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, exports fell by 7%, with a CAGR of -2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 543 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 7.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Belgium remained the primary destination for Germany's corn oil and fractions exports in value terms, capturing 73.4% of total flows, with the rest spread across various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports corn oil and fractions to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of corn oil and fractions increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached approximately 11 006 t, showing a sharp rise of 33.9% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 49.2%, with a CAGR of 14.3%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 7 357 t, which also experienced the largest decline of 0.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria was the main supplier of corn oil and fractions to Germany in volume terms, accounting for 76.1% of total imports, while other partners held relatively modest shares.

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, K $ US

Following a two-year decrease, Germany's corn oil and fractions imports in value terms rose. In 2020, imports stood at 18 914 K $ US, representing a sharp gain of 36.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 33.1%, with a CAGR of 10.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 13 823 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 1.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Austria dominated Germany's import partner structure in value terms, with a share of 76.6% of total flows; other markets had comparatively modest shares.

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

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