Tallow market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The tallow market in the Netherlands saw significant expansion from 118 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 181 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was primarily fueled by a sharp rise in imports, which more than doubled over the same period. Domestic production remained stable, fluctuating within a narrow band between 102 and 108 thousand tons.

Following the 2021 peak, the market contracted for two consecutive years, falling to 132 thousand tons in 2023. This downturn coincided with a substantial reduction in import volumes, which dropped by nearly half from 2021 levels. Export activity also declined moderately throughout the period, providing a minor counterbalance to the import-driven market swings.

Production tallow in the Netherlands

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands held the 12th position globally in tallow production.

Top producers of tallow, 2017-2020

World map of production of tallow, 2017-2020

Tallow production in the Netherlands rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 105.7 K t of tallow, representing a 2.0% year-over-year increase. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 8.6%, which translates to an annualized decline of 2.9%. The lowest output was recorded in 2018 at 102.6 K t, with the largest drop of 11.2% occurring that same year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, tallow production volume in the Netherlands rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 105.7 M $ US, marking a significant 19.8% year-over-year advance. Despite this, from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.4%. The minimum value was observed in 2019 at 88.2 M $ US, and the largest decline of 15.2% took place in 2018.

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

Exports tallow from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, the Netherlands exported 18 737 t of tallow, a decrease of 20.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 12.8%, equating to an annualized rate of -4.5%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 23 531 t, which also saw the largest increase of 10.3% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and Belgium were the dominant partners in the export structure by volume, with all other countries making up the remainder.

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, K $ US

In 2020, tallow exports from the Netherlands amounted to 18 731 K $ US, down 6.5% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 8.4%, with a CAGR of -2.9%. The largest increase of 3.2% was recorded in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (49.1% of export value), Belgium (29.4%), and Hungary (6.1%) consistently led the country structure of exports by value, together accounting for 84.5% of total flows.

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 tallow to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Imported tallow volumes in the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 59 864 t, corresponding to a 31.2% year-over-year advance. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 35.4%, with a CAGR of 10.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 36 915 t, which also experienced the largest decline of 16.5% that year.

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

In 2017-2020, Germany (66.0% of import volume), Ireland (11.7%), and Uruguay (8.7%) accounted for the largest share of imports by volume, together comprising 86.4% of total flows.

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, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, tallow imports in the Netherlands increased. In 2020, the Netherlands imported 48 520 K $ US of tallow, up 56.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 24.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 31 056 K $ US, while the largest decline of 16.5% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (68.5% of import value), Ireland (10.9%), and Uruguay (8.4%) remained the leading destinations in the country structure of imports by value, with a combined share of 87.8% 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