Tallow market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The Polish tallow market started the period with the mandatory electronic submission of EU payment applications from 2018, streamlining administrative processes for animal raw material producers. Market volume expanded to 23 135 t in 2019, but then contracted to 22 033 t in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic affected supply chains and demand.

A significant growth phase occurred in 2022 when the market volume jumped to 23 949 t. This increase was primarily driven by rising meat consumption in Poland, which boosted tallow availability, and a shift in consumer preferences toward natural tallow-based cosmetics. The entry of new firms and the expansion of e-commerce for skincare products further supported market expansion.

After the 2022 peak, the market volume fell to 19 611 t in 2023, coinciding with legislative adjustments such as amendments to farmers' social insurance law. In 2024, factors like the upcoming EU NIS2 cybersecurity directive and the sustained development of natural cosmetic segments continue to shape the market landscape.

Production tallow in Poland

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Poland ranked 25th globally in tallow production.

Top producers of tallow, 2017-2020

World map of production of tallow, 2017-2020

Poland's tallow production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 21 552 tonnes of tallow, marking a 6.1% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 10.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 19 095 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 2.1%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019, with a 6.4% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Poland's tallow output was valued at 17 043 thousand US dollars, showing a modest year-over-year increase of 9.7%. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 11.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.6%. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 3.4% drop.

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

Exports tallow from Poland

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Poland's tallow exports rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 7 858 tonnes, up 12.5% from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 11.9%, averaging an annual decline of 4.1%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 6 985 tonnes, with the largest drop occurring in 2018 at 20.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland's tallow exports were not heavily concentrated in a few key markets. Hungary accounted for 14.9% of exports, the Netherlands for 13.5%, and Sweden for 11.1%, together making up just 39.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year downturn, Poland's tallow exports increased. In 2020, exports were valued at 6 214 thousand US dollars, representing a significant 16.3% year-over-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 11.4%, with an average annual decline of 4.0%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 5 343 thousand US dollars, and the largest decrease was in 2018 at 14.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland's tallow exports in value terms were widely distributed across markets. Hungary contributed 16.0% of export value, the Netherlands 13.8%, and Sweden 8.8%, collectively accounting for only 38.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports tallow to Poland

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports peaked in 2019 at 9 803 tonnes and hit a low in 2017, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Poland imported 9 803 tonnes of tallow, a substantial 14.9% decrease from 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with an 85.8% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the leading source of Poland's tallow imports, accounting for 47.9% of the volume, followed by Lithuania at 25.0% and Latvia at 10.1%. Together, these three countries made up 83.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Poland's tallow imports grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 3 824 thousand US dollars, a 2.3% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value surged by 120.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 30.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany dominated Poland's tallow imports in value terms, with a 49.8% share, while Lithuania accounted for 18.8% and Latvia for 6.5%. Combined, these three countries represented 75.2% of total import flows.

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

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