Tallow prices are unchanged out of the Australian and New Zealand markets. Trading has been quiet with limited supply and buyers kicking tires on their next position. Slaughter for last week was estimated by the MLA at 117,516 head, down 4 percent from the week prior and 20 percent compared to last year. Slaughter in Australia has been well under the 2018 and 2019 levels over the last five weeks. The JBS Brooklyn plant in Victoria remains idled due to COVID-19 cases at the facility and another two meat processors in Victoriahave been idled as well. Both palm and soybean oil prices have rallied over the last few weeks. Higher vegetable oil prices and supply reductions make it reasonable to expect higher prices in the near term.

The local US market has been steady to slightly higher this week. Some additional biodiesel interest stepping into the market has driven some of the lower priced animal fats higher. Choice…