Renewable Diesel Imports on Record Setting Pace for 2021 

According to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), the United States imported 37.1 million gallons of biomass-based diesel during August. Imports were down two percent from July but 32 percent over August 2020. Renewable diesel imports exceeded biodiesel imports by 13 million gallons.  California remains the primary market for renewable diesel in the US with strong margins driving demand.  Renewable diesel represented 68 percent of total biomass-based diesel imports during the month. 

The 2021 biomass-based diesel import pace is 31 percent over the 2020 pace through August. Renewable diesel imports continue to surge due to West Coast LCFS demand and have already achieved a yearly all-time high despite four months of reporting remaining in the year. Biodiesel imports have been more sluggish relative to renewable diesel and trail their 2020 import pace. 

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