Tallow prices in the Australian market are steady this week, supported by demand from the renewable diesel sector. The MLA estimated cattle slaughter for the Eastern States at 129,475 had last week. Cattle slaughter continues to run well below last year’s levels, this is especially true for the female slaughter. Prices in New Zealand are steady week on week, with supply and demand well-balanced at the moment.

Fat prices in the US have moved lower in the US domestic market this week. Sellers are seeing increased production and have had to cut prices to keep it moving. Cattle and hog slaughter are slowly returning to more normal levels, but spotty absenteeism at plants are creating uncertainty as to supply. Sellers may be hedging conservatively on their forward sales volume, which is leading to some unexpected spot availability in the nearby market.

Technical and edible tallow are…