Tallow market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the West European tallow market volume first declined to 397 K t in 2019, then jumped by 24% to 494 K t in 2020. This increase occurred despite logistical bottlenecks and labor shortages during the pandemic that slowed manufacturing and distribution. Simultaneously, tallow gained wider use in skin‑care products due to its moisturizing properties and compatibility with plant‑based cosmetic formulations, supporting overall demand.

After stabilizing near 493 K t in 2021, the market expanded by 9% to 538 K t in 2022. The growth was driven by rising demand from the biofuel industry, where tallow is used for biodiesel production, alongside increased consumption in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food applications. Global sustainability trends further promoted the integration of tallow into bio‑based alternatives, pushing prices upward.

In 2023, market volume fell sharply by 36% to 342 K t. By 2024, tallow prices remained elevated under strong demand from the bioenergy sector. Investments in advanced rendering processes and strategic production expansions aimed to enhance product quality and competitiveness, supported by regulatory frameworks that encourage sustainable feedstocks and traceability.

Production tallow in Western Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of tallow, 2017-2020

World map of production of tallow, 2017-2020

Western Europe's tallow production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 470.0 K t of tallow, marking a slight increase of 0.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 7.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, tallow output in Western Europe was valued at 2 000 M $ US, showing a strong increase of 14.8% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 12.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 742 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports tallow from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Western Europe's tallow exports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 175.5 K t, up 3.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 8.4%, with an average annual rate of 2.7%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 108.9 K t, which also experienced the largest decline of 32.8%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 55.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom were among the largest buyers of tallow from Western Europe, accounting for 7.2%, 2.5%, and 2.2% of exports in kind, respectively. However, together they represented just 11.9% of total exports, indicating a highly diversified partner base.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, Western Europe's tallow exports have rebounded. In 2020, exports totaled 151.8 M $ US, a significant increase of 21.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 12.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 125.4 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 5.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of tallow exports in value terms was highly diversified. Spain, the United Kingdom, and Italy accounted for 6.7%, 3.1%, and 2.8% of exports, respectively, totaling only 12.5% of overall flows. The remaining 87.5% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports tallow to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during this period. The lowest point was in 2018 at 97.7 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 14.3%. By 2020, imports had surged to 199.1 K t, marking a dramatic year-over-year increase of 97.4%. The difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018 was twofold.

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

During 2017-2020, tallow imports to Western Europe came from many different markets. Even the largest destinations—the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Sweden—together represented only 25.4% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, tallow imports to Western Europe have increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 160.4 M $ US, a sharp rise of 31.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 13%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.2%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 121.8 M $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 12.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The partner structure for tallow imports in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. The United Kingdom, Ireland, and Sweden accounted for 13.7%, 7.7%, and 3.0% of imports, respectively, totaling just 24.4% of overall flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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