Lard and poultry fats market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for lard and poultry fats in the Netherlands declined from 104.6 thousand tons to 86.1 thousand tons. This contraction was primarily driven by the introduction of the phosphate rights system and sow reduction schemes in pig farming, which limited herd sizes and lowered domestic production. Stricter environmental regulations and continued herd reduction policies throughout 2019 and 2020 further constrained output.

Beginning in 2021, the market volume rebounded sharply, reaching 101.0 thousand tons that year and 169.4 thousand tons by 2023. This growth was fueled by a surge in imports of poultry meat from countries like Brazil, Thailand, and China, a trend accelerated by avian flu outbreaks in other regions and a sustained consumer shift toward poultry due to its perceived sustainability and affordability. Chinese anti-dumping duties on European pork also reduced export opportunities, contributing to greater domestic availability of fats.

In 2023, while European pork production expanded, the Dutch sector continued to shrink due to ongoing environmental rules and farm buyout programs aimed at ammonia reduction. The number of organic pig and poultry farms increased, reflecting the market's response to demand for sustainable products. Import volumes continued their upward trajectory into 2024, underscoring the market's growing reliance on imported poultry fats.

Production lard and poultry fats in the Netherlands

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands maintained the 15th position globally in terms of lard and poultry fats production volume.

Top producers of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

World map of production of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

In 2020, the Netherlands produced 77 694 tonnes of lard and poultry fats, marking an 11.3% increase compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 90 077 tonnes, then fell to its lowest point in 2019 at 69 814 tonnes, with the largest annual decline of 22.5% occurring that year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 10.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output of lard and poultry fats in the Netherlands was valued at 82 860 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant 22.4% increase from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 89 112 thousand US dollars, while the lowest was in 2019 at 67 704 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual decline of 24.0% occurring that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 5.1%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 1.7%.

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

Exports lard and poultry fats from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

Lard and poultry fats exports from the Netherlands declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 23 701 tonnes, representing a significant decrease of 12.6% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 32%, equating to an average annual decline of 12.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom were the key partners for exports in kind. Belgium accounted for 24.7% of exports, France for 21.8%, and the United Kingdom for 20.8%, together making up 67.3% of total export flows.

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

Exports of lard and poultry fats from the Netherlands declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 25 277 thousand US dollars, indicating a moderate fall of 3.9% relative to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 28%, with an average annual decline of 10.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and France formed the core group of markets for exports in value terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 21.7% of exports, Belgium for 20.9%, and France for 18.4%, together representing 61.0% of total export flows.

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 lard and poultry fats to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, lard and poultry fats imports into the Netherlands amounted to 32 065 tonnes, corresponding to a decrease of 33.8% compared to 2019. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 at 7.2%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 47.5%, with an average annual decline of 19.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Denmark, and France stood out as the main sources for imports in kind. Germany accounted for 51.1% of imports, Denmark for 19.7%, and France for 13.6%, together representing 84.3% of total import flows.

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

Foreign supplies of lard and poultry fats to the Netherlands declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the Netherlands imported a total of 25 127 thousand US dollars of lard and poultry fats, representing a strong fall of 22.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 50.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 20.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Denmark, and Belgium were the largest suppliers of lard and poultry fats to the Netherlands in value terms. Germany accounted for 50.0% of imports, Denmark for 19.8%, and Belgium for 12.8%, together forming 82.6% of total imports in value terms.

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

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