Soybean oil and fractions market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the German soybean oil market expanded from 452.4 thousand tonnes to 582.8 thousand tonnes. This growth was supported by rising demand from the food and beverage sector due to restrictions on phthalate plasticizers, which increased the use of soybean oil as an alternative. Additionally, the oil found new applications in technical and industrial areas such as fuel additives and adhesives, further stimulating consumption.

After a slight dip to 551.9 thousand tonnes in 2021, the market recovered strongly to reach 670.5 thousand tonnes by 2023. During this period, consumer preferences shifted toward sustainable and organic products, bolstering demand for soybean oil. The German government's ongoing support for domestic soy cultivation under its protein crop strategy also contributed, although local production covers only about 3.1% of total needs.

Looking ahead to 2024, regulatory changes are set to reshape the market. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), effective from December 2024, will impose stricter compliance requirements on imported soybean oil. Simultaneously, the EU's closure of its market to soybean biodiesel may redirect soybean oil usage, while industry initiatives like ADM's high-oleic soybean oil programs promote sustainable production.

Production soybean oil and fractions in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Germany ranked as the 9th largest producer of soybean oil and fractions between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of soybean oil and fractions, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Germany produced 666.1 thousand tons of soybean oil and fractions, representing a 6.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 3.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Germany's production of soybean oil and fractions rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 544.3 million US dollars, marking a 17.7% increase from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 2.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 462.6 million US dollars, while the largest decline took place in 2018, with a drop of 6.9%.

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

Exports soybean oil and fractions from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, the volume of soybean oil and fractions exported from Germany increased. In 2020, Germany exported 191.9 thousand tons, up by 13.6% compared to the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 26%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 168.9 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 33.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Poland, and Algeria were the top destinations for Germany's soybean oil and fractions exports in terms of volume. The Netherlands accounted for 21.4% of exports, Poland for 18.5%, and Algeria for 11.5%, together making up 51.4% 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

Following a two-year decrease, the value of soybean oil and fractions exports from Germany rose. In 2020, export value reached 156.8 million US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 25.2% compared to the previous year. Despite this, from 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 29.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 125.2 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 35.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Poland, and Morocco were the three main markets for Germany's soybean oil and fractions exports in value terms, collectively absorbing 50.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports soybean oil and fractions to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Soybean oil and fractions imports into Germany increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 108.6 thousand tons, marking a solid uptick of 14.4% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 28.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 60.9 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 27.8%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 55.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands and Serbia played the leading roles in Germany's soybean oil and fractions imports by volume, together accounting for 81.2% of total import flows, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

Germany's soybean oil and fractions imports increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 91.9 million US dollars, up by 22.3% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 11.8%, with an annualized growth rate of 3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 57.3 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 30.4%. The largest increase took place in 2019, with a jump of 31.3%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Serbia, and the United Kingdom stood out as the main markets for Germany's soybean oil and fractions imports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 64.2% of imports, Serbia for 9.8%, and the United Kingdom for 4.8%, together representing 78.8% 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