Palm oil and fractions market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The Danish palm oil market contracted in volume from 218 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 183 thousand tonnes in 2020, with its value also declining to $154 million. This downturn coincided with heightened environmental scrutiny, as Denmark's palm oil imports were linked to substantial CO2 emissions, raising public awareness and pressure for more sustainable sourcing.

Market volume partially recovered to 197 thousand tonnes in 2021, while its value surged to $224 million, a shift likely driven by emerging sustainability commitments. That year, the Danish government set a target for all palm oil imports to be deforestation-free by 2025, and major meat producer Danish Crown joined an industry alliance for responsible sourcing. However, demand fell thereafter, with volume dropping to 160 thousand tonnes by 2023 after Danish Crown implemented a plan to completely phase out palm oil, and the parliament established a fund to promote plant-based foods, reducing consumption in key sectors.

Volume rebounded to 173 thousand tonnes in 2024 as the market adapted to impending regulatory changes. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), set for enforcement from late 2025, mandated deforestation-free supply chains, boosting demand for certified sustainable palm oil. Simultaneously, the EU decided to phase out palm oil in biofuels by 2030, with Danish policymakers proposing a national ban on blending it into fuel, steering palm oil away from the energy sector and toward food and industrial uses requiring greater traceability.

Production palm oil and fractions in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Denmark's production of palm oil and fractions rebounded. In 2021, output reached 140.8 million US dollars, marking a significant 39.8% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 21.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.6%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2020 at 100.7 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 7.3% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark ranked as the 26th largest producer of palm oil and fractions globally.

Top producers of palm oil and fractions, 2018-2021

World map of production of palm oil and fractions, 2018-2021

Following a two-year downturn, Denmark's production of palm oil and fractions showed signs of recovery. In 2021, the country produced 87.1 thousand tons, representing a 7.7% increase over 2020. However, over the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production actually decreased by 17.4%, averaging an annual decline of 6.2%. The lowest output was in 2020 at 80.9 thousand tons, with the steepest drop of 22.4% also recorded that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports palm oil and fractions from Denmark

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of contraction, Denmark's exports of palm oil and fractions began to rise again. In 2021, the country exported 87.0 thousand tons, reflecting a modest 4.2% year-over-year increase. Despite this recent uptick, exports declined by 18.6% over the 2018-2021 period, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.6%. The lowest export volume was in 2020 at 83.5 thousand tons, when the largest decline of 21.7% occurred.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Uruguay were the primary destinations for Denmark's palm oil and fractions exports by volume. Sweden accounted for 47.1% of exports, the Netherlands for 24.7%, and Uruguay for 9.7%. Together, these three countries represented 81.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Denmark's palm oil and fractions exports in value terms rebounded strongly. In 2021, exports totaled 142.0 million US dollars, a 36.1% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 18.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 5.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 104.3 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 6.9% also in that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Uruguay were the top markets for Denmark's palm oil and fractions exports by value, collectively absorbing 80.1% of total export revenue.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports palm oil and fractions to Denmark

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Denmark's imports of palm oil and fractions by volume started to recover. In 2021, imports reached 185.8 thousand tons, showing a modest 5.8% increase over 2020. However, over the 2018-2021 period, import volume decreased by 10.5%, with an average annual decline of 3.6%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 185.8 thousand tons, when the largest drop of 14.3% was recorded.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Germany were the main sources of Denmark's palm oil and fractions imports by volume. Indonesia contributed 30.5% of imports, Malaysia 30.0%, and Germany 20.9%. Together, these three countries made up 81.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year drop, Denmark's imports of palm oil and fractions in value terms surged. In 2021, imports totaled 224.9 million US dollars, a sharp 43.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value rose by 22.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.1%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 157.2 million US dollars, while the largest decline of 13.2% occurred in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Germany remained the key sources for Denmark's palm oil and fractions imports by value. Malaysia accounted for 30.9% of import value, Indonesia for 27.8%, and Germany for 21.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 80.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021