Refined palm oil and fractions market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The refined palm oil market in the Netherlands saw its volume decline from 904 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 805 thousand tonnes in 2019, before recovering to 853 thousand tonnes in 2020. This period was marked by increasing sustainability focus, with initiatives like the Dutch Alliance for Sustainable Palm Oil (DASPO) and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) driving the shift towards certified sustainable palm oil. European debates on banning palm oil in biodiesel created uncertainty, but a 2018 proposal allowed its continued use, supporting market stability.

From 2021 onwards, palm oil imports consistently fell from 342 thousand tonnes in 2021 to 214 thousand tonnes in 2024, while exports dropped from 805 thousand tonnes in 2021 to 573 thousand tonnes in 2023 before rising to 742 thousand tonnes in 2024. A key driver was the legal exclusion of palm oil-based biofuels in the Netherlands effective from January 1, 2022, which reduced demand in this segment. Additionally, the development of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), set to take effect from late 2025, and commitments from major retailers like Albert Heijn to use deforestation-free palm oil tightened import requirements. The entry of new players such as NoPalm Ingredients, which introduced a fermentation-based alternative, further diversified the market.

Production refined palm oil and fractions in the Netherlands

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After a two-year decline, the Netherlands saw an increase in its refined palm oil and fractions production. In 2020, output was valued at 1 226 million US dollars, marking a moderate rise of 3.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 18.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 189 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 13.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, the Netherlands produced 1 471 thousand tonnes of refined palm oil and fractions, representing a modest decrease of 6.2% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.3%. The largest decline was in 2018 at 13.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 with a rise of 4.1%.

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

Exports refined palm oil and fractions from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, the Netherlands exported 957 thousand tonnes of refined palm oil and fractions, down by 12.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 22.3%, equating to an annualized rate of -8.1%. The largest decline was in 2018 at 17.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a rise of 7.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Belgium, Germany, and France—together accounted for 66.8% of the Netherlands' total exports in kind of refined palm oil and fractions.

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, M $ US

Refined palm oil and fractions deliveries from the Netherlands declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 809 million US dollars, showing a small decline of 1.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 25.8%, with an annualized rate of -9.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Germany, and France were the largest buyers of refined palm oil and fractions from the Netherlands in value terms. Belgium accounted for 28.3% of exports, Germany for 25.0%, and France for 12.7%, together forming 66.0% of total exports in value.

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 refined palm oil and fractions to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, the Netherlands imported 338 thousand tonnes of refined palm oil and fractions, up by 4.1% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 14.4%, with an annualized rate of -5.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 324 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 411 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 21.0%.

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

Over the period 2017 to 2020, Indonesia and Malaysia consistently made up 84.1% of the Netherlands' total imports in kind of refined palm oil and fractions, indicating a high degree of concentration alongside a long tail of smaller markets.

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, M $ US

After a two-year decline, the Netherlands experienced an increase in its refined palm oil and fractions imports. In 2020, imports were valued at approximately 264 million US dollars, reflecting a limited rise of 9.0% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 22.3%, with an annualized rate of -8.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 242 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 26.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Denmark formed the key group of partners for the Netherlands' imports in value terms of refined palm oil and fractions. Indonesia accounted for 49.6% of imports, Malaysia for 29.1%, and Denmark for 6.5%, jointly representing 85.3% of total flows.

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

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