Tallow market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The Belgian tallow market expanded from 126 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 143 thousand tons in 2020, reflecting rising demand during this period.

After 2020, the market volume contracted, falling to 91 thousand tons by 2023. This adjustment coincided with European tallow consumption reaching a maximum of around 1.1 million tons in 2021-2022, followed by a downturn. Belgium, as Europe's largest tallow importer with a 36% share, was influenced by this region-wide trend after the consumption peak.

Belgium's role in the European supply chain remains significant, with per capita consumption stable around 12 kg. Domestic beef production, including increased cow slaughter, supports raw material availability for tallow. In 2024, European tallow consumption grew by 4%, with Belgium maintaining its position as the leading importer.

Production tallow in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, t

On a global scale, Belgium ranked as the 19th largest producer of tallow during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of tallow, 2017-2020

World map of production of tallow, 2017-2020

In 2020, Belgium produced 39 500 tonnes of tallow, showing no significant change compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 24.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 39 500 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 24.2% rise. The largest decline was minimal, recorded in 2018 at 0.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Belgium's tallow production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 40 647 thousand US dollars, marking a notable advance of 11.3% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 24.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 31 251 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 4.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 16.9% rise.

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

Exports tallow from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, tallow shipments from Belgium to abroad reached 13.5 thousand tonnes, showing a fall of 9.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 12.9 thousand tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 14.8 thousand tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 14.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and France were the principal buyers of tallow from Belgium, accounting for 20.5%, 19.3%, and 18.8% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 58.6% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Tallow volumes leaving Belgium increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Belgium exported 13 854 thousand US dollars of tallow, marking a small increase of 1.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 4.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 12 722 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 12.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 7.6% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom formed the core of exports in value terms, accounting for 21.0%, 19.9%, and 18.5% of exports, respectively. Together, they took 59.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports tallow to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

Foreign tallow supplies to Belgium increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 116.7 thousand tonnes, reflecting a modest rise of 6.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany consistently remained the main sources for imports in kind, accounting for 54.8%, 21.8%, and 8.8% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 85.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, tallow shipments to Belgium from abroad increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 90 210 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp rise of 29.4% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 12.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 69 715 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 9.5% drop.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany stood out as the main markets for imports in value terms, accounting for 53.8%, 20.9%, and 9.1% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 83.8% of total flows.

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

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