Tallow market Ukraine

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, tallow production in Ukraine increased from 18 800 t to 25 800 t, while domestic market volume grew from 18 732 t to 24 997 t. This expansion was supported by the broader shift in the national oil and fat industry toward higher value-added production, which raised output across all fat types. Concurrently, growing exports of sunflower oil and rising domestic oil demand indirectly boosted the use of animal fats as ingredients in feed and food mixtures. The import surge of poultry meat in 2019 further elevated demand for farmed animal fats in feed blends. In 2020, the COVID‑19 pandemic reduced domestic milk production, leading processors to seek animal fats as an alternative raw material, thereby supporting additional output growth.

After peaking in 2020, tallow production eased to 25 000 t in 2021 and fell more sharply to 22 400 t in 2022, with market volume declining to 22 286 t. The initial moderation coincided with heightened competition from surging imports of palm oil and other animal fat products, which grew 58.4% in value terms during 2021. New veterinary safety and labeling standards introduced that year also required producers to adapt packaging, adding to operational adjustments. The full‑scale Russian invasion in 2022 severely disrupted raw material supplies for animal fats, while the blockade of the grain corridor and damage to agricultural areas reduced oilseed processing capacity, constraining feedstock availability. Soaring global energy and commodity prices simultaneously raised transportation costs for moving heavy animal fats, further limiting domestic distribution.

By 2023, tallow production stabilized at 22 500 t, and market volume settled at 22 194 t. The industry adapted by gradually restoring exports through alternative logistics corridors and reviving some processing capacities in western regions. Legislative changes that mandated traceability and registration of animal fats in the supply chain also took effect, tightening quality control requirements. Although these measures did not reverse the earlier contraction, they contributed to market stabilization after the severe wartime disruptions.

Production tallow Ukraine

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Ukraine was among the world's leading producers of tallow from 2017 to 2020, ranking 26th globally by production volume.

Top producers of tallow, 2017-2020

World map of production of tallow, 2017-2020

Ukraine's tallow production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 25 800 tons of tallow, marking a 34.4% gain compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 306.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 59.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. From the low in 2017 to the high in 2020, production volumes varied 4.4 times. In 2020, Ukraine's tallow output was valued at 17 311 thousand US dollars, representing an abrupt gain of 38.7% from the year before. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 8.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 251.0%.

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

Exports tallow to Ukraine

Exports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. The lowest export volume was noted in 2018, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 9.7 times. In 2020, Ukraine exported 843.6 tons of tallow, showing a dramatic increase of 137.4% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 87.4 tons. The largest decline was in 2018 at 83.7%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 306.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Poland and Slovakia were the dominant destinations for Ukraine's tallow exports in kind, jointly accounting for 97.2% of total flows, with the remaining share going to other markets.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Export levels fluctuated 8.9 times between the low of 2018 and the high of 2020. In 2020, Ukraine exported 566.1 thousand US dollars worth of tallow, indicating a sharp advance of 144.9% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 63.6 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 80.7%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 263.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland and Slovakia concentrated the majority of Ukraine's tallow exports in value terms, while other markets formed a less significant portion.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in value, 2017-2020

Imports tallow in Ukraine

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. From the high in 2017 to the low in 2018, import volumes varied 29 times. In 2020, Ukraine imported approximately 40.5 tons of tallow, equivalent to a decline of 96.6% compared with 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, tallow imports to Ukraine were supplied almost exclusively from Germany, which absorbed 100.0% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Imports peaked in 2017 and bottomed in 2018, differing by 26 times. In 2020, tallow shipments to Ukraine from abroad reached 50.5 thousand US dollars, down by 96.2% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms of tallow to Ukraine were almost completely tied to Germany, whose share amounted to 100.0% of total flows.

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

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