Refined palm oil and fractions market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for refined palm oil and fractions expanded from 530 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 581 thousand tons in 2019, before stabilizing at 572 thousand tons in 2020. This early growth period was supported by the Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil (FONAP), which actively promoted certified palm oil, and mandatory labeling requirements that had been in place since 2014, shaping consumer awareness and demand.

Market volume dropped sharply to 498 thousand tons in 2021, then rebounded to 553 thousand tons in 2022. During this period of volatility, the FONAP board was renewed in October 2021, reinforcing the coordination of sustainable palm oil activities in the country.

Volume climbed further to 574 thousand tons in 2023 but declined to 540 thousand tons in 2024. This contraction aligns with the adoption of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in mid-2023 and Germany's policy to phase out palm oil as a biofuel feedstock starting in 2023, both of which tightened market access and reduced demand in key segments.

Production refined palm oil and fractions in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's refined palm oil and fractions production has increased in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 176.0 million US dollars, marking a 7.3% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 144.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 24.9%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 13.6% growth.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's refined palm oil and fractions production has increased in volume for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 501.0 thousand tonnes were produced, remaining largely stable compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 22.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 485.8 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 25.2%. The largest increase was in 2019, with a 3.0% rise.

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

Exports refined palm oil and fractions from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's refined palm oil and fractions export volume has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 309.1 thousand tonnes, representing a 6.6% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 17.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Germany's refined palm oil and fractions exports in volume terms were Poland, Denmark, and Belgium. Together, they accounted for 67.3% of 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

After a two-year reduction, Germany's refined palm oil and fractions export value has increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 278.1 million US dollars, showing a 6.5% advance compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 18.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 261.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 18.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Denmark, and Belgium consistently remained the main destinations for Germany's refined palm oil and fractions exports in value terms. Poland accounted for 41.9% of exports, Denmark for 17.0%, and Belgium for 6.1%, together making up 64.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports refined palm oil and fractions to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany imported 380.1 thousand tonnes of refined palm oil and fractions in 2020, constituting a 7.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 15.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 9.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 1.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Italy were the main sources for Germany's refined palm oil and fractions imports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 49.0% of imports, Malaysia for 19.1%, and Italy for 12.6%, together representing 80.7% of total import flows.

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

After a two-year decrease, Germany's refined palm oil and fractions import value has increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 370.5 million US dollars, marking a 5.4% gain over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 13.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 351.4 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 9.9%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Italy, and Malaysia consistently held leading positions in Germany's refined palm oil and fractions import structure in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 47.8% of imports, Italy for 19.0%, and Malaysia for 15.4%, jointly making up 82.2% of total import flows.

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

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