In the year 2013, the world annual capacity of biodiesel production went beyond the 60.5 million tonnes. The biggest share (over 40%) of the total figure was held by Europe. It was followed by the APAC region with a 22.47% share. In 2013, the USA, Brazil and Germany were the top countries in terms of biodiesel production capacity; their combined share in the world’s total capacity was equivalent to 36.7%.
Biodiesel: world production capacity broken down by region, 2013
Since 2005, the world biodiesel output has increased almost sevenfold. In 2013, the global biodiesel production exceeded 22.3 million tonnes. In the same year, Europe was the top biodiesel producer in the world with a share of around 38% in the global supply. It was followed by APAC and Latin America, accounting for 27% and 21% shares respectively. The top five biodiesel producing countries (namely the USA, Brazil, Germany, Indonesia and France) held a share of 51.08% in the world’s total production volume in 2013.
Biodiesel: world production broken down by country, 2013
The dominant players in the world biodiesel market include such companies as Neste Oil Corp, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Diester Industrie, Biopetrol Industries AG, Infinita Renovables S.A., Renewable Energy Group, Granol Industria Comercio e Exportacao SA, Natural Fuel Australia, RBF Port Neches LLC and Marseglia Group.
As concerns world biodiesel consumption, it followed a stable upward trend during 2009-2013. In 2013, Europe called for 55% of the world biodiesel demand, followed by Latin America. Biodiesel continues to expand its market share. However, still it accounts for a tiny share of all road transport fuels used in the world. Furthermore, usage as marine and aviation fuel I not well-spread, too.
The global biodiesel foreign trade was evaluated at over USD 44.6 billion in 2012. In the same year, Europe ranked 1st in the world in terms of biodiesel exports and imports.
The world biodiesel market is poised for positive growth in the years ahead. The market growth is predicted to be supported by favourable regulatory policies, ongoing technological developments, improving economic situation coupled with increasing demand for biofuels and enhancing environmental concerns. In 2018, the global biodiesel production is anticipated to exceed 29.2 million tonnes.
More information on the biodiesel market can be found in the research study “Biodiesel 2014 World Market Outlook and Forecast up to 2018”.