US biobased diesel imports down, exports up in May

The U.S. imported less biodiesel and renewable diesel in May than it did in April, and exported more biodiesel, according to new data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

U.S. imports of biodiesel fell nearly 37 percent from April to May, dropping from 21 million gallons in April to nearly 13.3 million in May. Almost 11.8 million gallons came from Canada while the remainder, slightly more than 1.5 million gallons, was shipped from South Korea.

U.S. renewable diesel imports fell too in May compared to April, down 14 percent. In April, imports of renewable diesel from Singapore were at more than 42.5 million gallons while in May they were just over 36.5 million.

While U.S. imports dropped in May, biodiesel exports were up more than 18 percent. In April, the U.S. exported close to 21 million gallons of biodiesel, but the following month exports rose to more than 24.5 million. Top May recipients were Canada, which received more than 21 million gallons, followed by Peru at close to 2 million, the Netherlands at nearly 1.5 million, with nominal volumes to Chile and Germany.