Tallow market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The US tallow market volume expanded from 3 393 thousand tons in 2018 to 4 539 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by the Environmental Protection Agency's expansion of the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2021, which increased the use of tallow in biodiesel production. Concurrently, rising consumer preference for natural ingredients in cosmetics bolstered demand from that sector. Even the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 did not halt the market's expansion, as demand for biofuels remained resilient.

Domestic tallow production increased until 2021, reaching 3 947 thousand tons, then stabilized and edged down to 3 900 thousand tons in 2023. This slight reduction was partly due to droughts in North America that constrained beef output and tallow availability. To meet rising domestic consumption, imports surged from 137 thousand tons in 2018 to 794 thousand tons in 2023, while exports fell steadily. In 2024, production held steady around 3 800 thousand tons, and import and export prices declined, reflecting global market adjustments, with biofuel demand remaining a key market driver.

Production tallow in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

The United States held the top position globally in tallow production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of tallow, 2017-2020

World map of production of tallow, 2017-2020

Tallow production in the United States grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 3 883 K t, marking a 2.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 702 K t. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 7.0% decrease, while the largest gain was in 2019, with a 2.5% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Tallow production value in the United States rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 3 063 M $ US, showing a substantial 10.3% increase over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 3.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.2%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 2 589 M $ US. The sharpest decline was in 2018, with an 18.4% drop.

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

Exports tallow from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Tallow exports from the United States decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 402.6 K t, reflecting a moderate 4.7% year-over-year decline. The highest export volume was in 2018 at 444.9 K t. The largest decrease occurred in 2019, with a 5.0% fall, while the biggest increase was in 2018, with a 10.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Mexico, Singapore, and Canada—collectively represented 85.0% of total tallow exports from the United States in volume terms.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, tallow export value from the United States increased. In 2020, exports stood at 317.6 M $ US, showing a slight 2.7% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 309.1 M $ US. The most significant drop was in 2018, with a 2.9% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Mexico (55.2% of export value), Singapore (20.9%), and Canada (9.1%) were the largest buyers of tallow from the United States, together accounting for 85.2% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports tallow to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Tallow imports into the United States grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 243.0 K t, representing a steep 26.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports surged by 198.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 44.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the leading source for tallow imports in volume terms, holding an 88.4% share of total flows, while other markets made up the remainder.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Tallow imports into the United States increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at approximately 203.7 M $ US, corresponding to a 32.7% year-over-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value jumped by 236.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 49.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Canada dominated tallow imports in value terms, capturing 88.2% of total flows, with other countries accounting for the rest.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020