China's Used Cooking Oil Exports Surge in May While Biodiesel Shipments Decline

In May 2026, China experienced a significant increase in its exports of used cooking oil (UCO), reaching a total of 310,254 tonnes. This represents a substantial 61.4% rise compared to the 192,204 tonnes exported during the same month the previous year, according to data released by the Chinese General Administration of Customs. The May volume also indicates a 9.4% month-on-month growth from the 283,592 tonnes shipped in April.

The United States emerged as the primary destination for Chinese UCO, receiving 74,505 tonnes. It was followed closely by the Netherlands with 51,404 tonnes, Italy with 32,544 tonnes, Canada with 32,500 tonnes, Singapore with 31,118 tonnes, and Malaysia with 30,739 tonnes. Other notable buyers included the Republic of Korea (28,403 tonnes) and Thailand (14,887 tonnes), while smaller shipments were sent to Romania, Bulgaria, and India. Cumulatively, for the first five months of 2026, China's UCO exports reached 1,367,468 tonnes, marking a 36.8% increase from the same period in 2025.

Conversely, China's biodiesel exports witnessed a sharp decline. In May, biodiesel shipments totaled 38,601 tonnes, reflecting a 52.7% drop from April, and a 37.0% decrease from May of the previous year. Hong Kong was the leading importer of Chinese biodiesel, taking in 12,171 tonnes, followed by Malaysia and the Netherlands. Additional shipments went to Germany, South Korea, and Myanmar. Despite the recent slump, the cumulative biodiesel exports from January to May 2026 stood at 353,826 tonnes, up 12.3% year-on-year.

Source: Fastmarkets

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