Surge in German Biodiesel Export in Q1

German biodiesel exports in the first three months of 2019 surged around 33% to 581,248 tons year-on-year, according to Germany’s Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP).  Bulk of this total or around 87%, UFOP said in May, were shipped to EU28 countries, an increase of just over 37% from the previous year. 

Netherlands was the top buyer, which imported 47% of German biodiesel or 230,465 tons.  However, in terms of growth, Great Britain was top followed by Belgium.  Purchases by Great Britain at 40,000 tons was more than five times as much as in the previous year. Belgium almost doubled its imports last year buying a total of 88,350 MT.  

The USA and Austria also recorded large quantities and strong growth, UFOP said.  Exports to the USA were up 26% at 53,696 tons.  Austria’s imports of 43,450 tons were also up almost 26% year-on-year. UFOP said the export market was important for German biodiesel producers as the buyers of feedstock from rapeseed growers.