Tallow market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The Austrian tallow market saw considerable volatility between 2018 and 2023. Market volume dropped from 41 811 t in 2018 to a low of 16 577 t in 2022, before recovering to 22 637 t in 2023. The rebound in 2023 aligned with rising European demand for tallow in biodiesel production, cosmetics, and animal feed, driven by a broader shift toward sustainable and natural ingredients.

Production mirrored this pattern, falling from 40 300 t in 2018 to 15 093 t in 2022, then jumping to 23 484 t in 2023. Exports surged from 516 t in 2022 to 2 766 t in 2023 and 3 073 t in 2024, reflecting stronger external demand and market consolidation following Darling International's acquisition of VION Ingredients in early 2024.

By 2024, key demand drivers remained robust, with tallow increasingly used in biodiesel, cosmetics, and feed. An increase in the EU pig herd also supported raw material availability, pointing to a market responsive to higher demand for bio-based and ethically sourced products.

Production tallow in Austria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Austria was among the world's leading producers of tallow from 2017 to 2020, ranking 21st globally by production volume.

Top producers of tallow, 2017-2020

World map of production of tallow, 2017-2020

Austria's tallow production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 16 858 tons of tallow, which represents a 25.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 57.4%, with an average annual decline of 24.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 40 300 tons. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 44.1% decrease, while the largest increase was seen in 2018 at 1.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Austria's tallow production value also declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 12 057 thousand US dollars, down 42.4% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 62.8%, with an average annual decline of 28.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 38 432 thousand US dollars. The most substantial decrease occurred in 2019 with a 45.5% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 18.7%.

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

Exports tallow from Austria

Exports in kind, t

Tallow exports from Austria declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 128 tons, marking a sharp decrease of 44.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 94.1%, with an average annual decline of 61.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two key markets—Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina—together accounted for 81.9% of Austria's total tallow exports by volume, while the remainder was distributed among various other countries.

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

World map of product's exports from Austria in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Tallow exports from Austria declined for the third consecutive year in value terms as well. In 2020, Austria exported 92 thousand US dollars worth of tallow, representing a significant decline of 57.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 94.9%, equating to an average annual decline of 62.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro—together absorbed 83.5% of the total value of tallow exports from Austria.

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

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

Imports tallow to Austria

Imports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Austria's tallow import volume amounted to 2 302 tons, representing a 32.7% increase over the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 10.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 110.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands were the key sources for Austria's tallow imports by volume, accounting for 49.9%, 27.3%, and 20.9% respectively. Together, these three countries represented 98.2% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Austria in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and reached a high in 2020, with a 2.3-fold variation. In 2020, Austria's tallow imports were valued at 1 967 thousand US dollars, showing a 51.3% improvement compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 16.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 84.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three major markets—Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands—remained central to Austria's tallow imports in value terms, together accounting for 97.7% of total import flows.

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

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