Biomass-Based Diesel Imports Tap the Brakes During July

According to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), the United States imported 38.1 million gallons of biomass-based diesel during July. Imports were down 41 percent from June but 36 percent over July 2020. Renewable diesel imports exceeded biodiesel imports by 8.1 million gallons.  California remains the primary market for renewable diesel in the US with strong margins driving demand.  Renewable diesel represented 61 percent of total biomass-based diesel imports during the month. 

The 2021 biomass-based diesel import pace is 31 percent over 2020 through July. Renewable diesel imports have been surging due to West Coast LCFS demand and are on pace to reach an all-time high. Biodiesel imports have been somewhat sluggish relative to renewable diesel and trail their 2020 import pace.  

Renewable diesel imports of 23.1 million gallons were 50 percent below…