The United States recorded lower biodiesel exports in April while imports remained at subdued levels, reflecting continued weakness in biodiesel trade during the early months of 2026, according to data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.
Exports of biodiesel and biodiesel blends containing 30 percent or more biodiesel totalled 19,808.6 metric tons in April. The figure was lower than the 28,283.8 metric tons shipped in March and also below the 21,545.9 metric tons exported during the same month last year, Biodiesel Magazine reported.
Canada continued to be the largest market for U.S. biodiesel exports, accounting for 13,784.9 metric tons in April. Peru followed with 5,628.9 metric tons, while Indonesia imported 216.9 metric tons. Overall, U.S. biodiesel exports reached approximately five countries during the month.
Although export volumes declined, the total value of shipments stood at $27.03 million. This was slightly lower than the $27.98 million recorded in March but higher than the $23.21 million reported in April 2025.
During the first four months of 2026, U.S. biodiesel exports reached 58,973 metric tons with a total value of $64.82 million. In comparison, exports during the same period last year totaled 71,867.8 metric tons and were valued at $91.2 million.
On the import side, the United States brought in 565.5 metric tons of biodiesel and biodiesel blends in April. Imports were marginally higher than the 556.4 metric tons recorded in March but significantly lower than the 4,417.3 metric tons imported in April last year.
Canada remained the leading supplier of biodiesel to the U.S., providing 427.1 metric tons. France supplied 104.4 metric tons, while Belgium-Luxembourg contributed 33.2 metric tons. Imports originated from approximately five countries during the month.
The value of biodiesel imports rose to $1.08 million in April from $865,000 in March. However, it remained well below the $3.78 million recorded in April 2025.
For the January-April period, total biodiesel imports stood at 5,207.5 metric tons valued at $6.67 million. This compares with 51,296.6 metric tons worth $44.03 million imported during the same period a year earlier.
The latest USDA figures show that both biodiesel exports and imports remained below year-ago levels through the first four months of 2026, with imports registering the sharpest decline.
