26/11/2025 (Oils and Fats International) - Palm oil imports into the European Union (EU) continue to decline, according to EU Commission (EC) figures reported by Germany’s Union for the Promotion of Plants and Protein (UFOP).

The decline was due to the exclusion of palm oil-based biofuels being credited towards national quota obligations, alongside an increase in imports of waste oils and fats for use in transport fuel production, the 12 November report said.

According to EC import figures, EU-27 countries imported nearly 958,000 tonnes of palm oil between 1 July-2 November 2025 – a drop of around 20% compared to the same period the previous year.

Malaysia remained the leading supplier, supplying 272,000 tonnes and accounting for 28% of total imports – a slight increase in the country’s exports compared to the reference period.

Indonesia ranked second with 261,000 tonnes, marking a sharp decline.

The Netherlands remained the leading hub for European palm oil trading and a key location for biofuel production. At 353,000 tonnes, the country imported around 12% more palm oil than in the same period the previous year.

Italy took second place among importing countries, importing 303,000 tonnes, an 8% decrease.

Greece recorded the sharpest decline (-91%), followed by Sweden (-37%) and Denmark (-30%). Germany imported 78,000 tonnes, down 13% year-on-year.

Belgium and Spain slightly increased import volumes. According to research by Agrarmarkt Informations-Gesellschaft (AMI), the two countries, along with the Netherlands, are among the few EU countries showing an upward import trend.

According to UFOP the continued decline in imports reflects public debate on palm oil.

“In several EU member states, this has already led to the exclusion of biofuels derived from palm oil from counting towards quota obligations. Such exclusions must be implemented across the entire EU by 2030,” UFOP said.

“The figures also clearly show there has been an increase in demand for imports of waste oils and fats used in biodiesel and HVO production to compensate for the decline in palm oil imports. Depending on waste category, these imports can be counted double towards national quota obligations.”

According to UFOP, this double counting has created incentives to commit fraud and also generated virtual greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction quotas that are not eligible for credit towards climate mitigation targets in the transport sector.

The association welcomed the planned abolition of double counting as outlined in the draft bill to amend the GHG quota act.

https://www.ofimagazine.com/news/eu-palm-oil-imports-continue-to-decline-2