South Korea
United States
China
Brazil
Netherlands
United KingdomIn Q1 2025, biodiesel B100 (SME) prices corrected by 5.2% quarter-on-quarter as Brazilian post-harvest production improved soybean oil availability. The market softened with slower European winter blending demand, creating downward pressure early in the quarter. Prices briefly reached a floor in late January as blenders reduced purchases, before short-covering activity and renewed soybean oil cost strength triggered a modest rebound into March.
The period highlighted increased competition between South American SME and U.S. renewable diesel feedstock exports in Atlantic Basin markets, while demonstrating the close link between biodiesel and soybean oil pricing dynamics. Biodiesel B100 (SME) concluded Q1 2025 at USD 1,125/MT FOB Santos.Â
Biodiesel prices in Q2 2025 showed relative stability, easing by 12% quarter-on-quarter as the market settled after earlier volatility. Biodiesel prices declined after months of consistent rise in Q2 2025. Biodiesel prices moved within a narrow USD 950–990/MT band, supported by steady Brazilian export demand yet constrained by competitive palm-based biodiesel shipments from Southeast Asia.
Feedstock soybean oil prices remained elevated, adding cost pressure for producers, while seasonal European renewable fuel demand lent some mid-quarter support. However, global biodiesel supply remained ample, capping further upside momentum. The quarter reflected cautious optimism for H2 demand recovery, with traders balancing higher input costs against stable but competitive market conditions. According to PriceWatch, Biodiesel B100 (SME) closed Q2 2025 at USD 969/MT FOB Santos.Â
Biodiesel B100 (SME) started 2024 with a 7.8% price decline from Q4 2023 levels, driven by weak post-holiday demand and high inventory overhang. The market faced subdued buying early in the quarter, though improving biodiesel-gasoline spreads and early European inquiries provided mild recovery support toward March.
Prices gradually approached production cost support levels, signalling the establishment of a near-term floor. Despite sluggish demand, steady Brazilian supply discipline prevented deeper losses. This quarter set the stage for a more stable pricing environment through mid-2024. Biodiesel B100 (SME) closed Q1 2024 at USD 890/MT FOB Santos.Â
In Q2 2024, biodiesel B100 (SME) prices softened 3.7% amid seasonal European demand weakness and intensified competition from palm biodiesel. Prices bottomed out in June but were cushioned by disciplined Brazilian exports, which prevented steeper declines despite narrowing producer margins.
Late-quarter restocking helped stabilize the market, while soybean oil costs maintained a moderate floor for pricing. Compared to steep declines seen in 2023, the quarter reflected more balanced supply-demand dynamics, indicating the sector’s transition to a steadier trading range. Biodiesel B100 (SME) ended Q2 2024 at USD 887/MT FOB Santos.Â
Q3 2024 saw biodiesel B100 (SME) prices rise 6.3% quarter-on-quarter as Northern Hemisphere driving season demand lifted blending volumes. Prices advanced steadily, supported by firm soybean oil costs and robust Brazilian export flows. The quarter broke the USD 950/MT threshold in September for the first time in 2024, signalling improved confidence in biodiesel margins.
However, abundant global biodiesel inventories limited further upside, with demand growth remaining gradual. SME producers benefited from better pricing spreads, while trade flows stayed active between South America and Europe. Biodiesel B100 (SME) closed Q3 2024 at USD 932/MT FOB Santos.Â
Biodiesel B100 (SME) experienced a sharp rally in Q4 2024, gaining 18.3% as soybean oil supply tightened during Brazil’s planting season. Pre-compliance buying to meet 2025 EU renewable energy targets significantly boosted demand, driving prices to multi-month highs. November saw peak levels before profit-taking emerged in December, revealing the market’s sensitivity to policy-driven demand spikes.
The quarter also emphasized biodiesel’s growing strategic role in global low-carbon fuel mandates, particularly within the EU’s renewable energy framework. Despite late-quarter corrections, the period reflected strong fundamentals and robust buying interest. Biodiesel B100 (SME) ended Q4 2024 at USD 1,072/MT FOB Santos.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Biodiesel is a clean-burning, renewable diesel alternative produced through the transesterification of vegetable oils and other fats. B100 refers to 100% pure biodiesel, free from petroleum diesel blending. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels. SME is widely used in transportation, agricultural machinery, marine engines, and power generation, offering excellent lubricity and lower particulate emissions. Due to its renewable origin and favourable cold flow properties, SME is a preferred biodiesel feedstock in both domestic and export markets.
Packaging Type
Biodiesel Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Physical Property | Value (Biodiesel B100 – SME) |
| Physical state | Liquid |
| Colour | Light yellow to amber |
| Odour | Mild, fatty odor |
| Melting point/freezing point | -3 to -6 °C |
| Boiling point or initial boiling point and range | >300 °C (decomposes before boiling) |
| Flammability | Combustible liquid (non-flammable by GHS criteria) |
| Lower and upper explosion limit | ~0.7 vol% (LEL) – ~5.0 vol% (UEL) |
| Flash point | >130 °C (typically 130–170 °C, closed cup) |
| Auto-ignition temperature | ~256 °C |
| pH (value)Â | Not applicable (non-aqueous)Â |
| Kinematic viscosity | 4.0–6.0 mm²/s at 40 °C |
| Dynamic viscosity | ~4.5–5.5 mPa·s at 20 °C |
| Water solubility | Insoluble, but may absorb moisture |
| Partition coefficient n-octanol/water (log value) | ~4.0–6.0 |
| Vapour pressure | <0.01 hPa at 20 °C |
| Density | 0.86–0.90 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
Biodiesel Applications
Biodiesel B100 (Soybean Methyl Ester) is primarily used as a renewable alternative to petroleum diesel in sectors such as transportation, agriculture, power generation, and marine engines. It is also utilized in government fleet programs, blending with conventional diesel (B5–B20 blends), and in the manufacture of lubricants, solvents, and biodegradable hydraulic fluids. Its clean-burning properties make it valuable in reducing emissions and improving engine performance.Â
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global biodiesel price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the biodiesel market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence biodiesel prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely biodiesel market data.
Track PriceWatch's biodiesel price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Biodiesel pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Biodiesel is a clean-burning, renewable diesel alternative produced through the transesterification of vegetable oils and other fats. B100 refers to 100% pure biodiesel, free from petroleum diesel blending. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels. SME is widely used in transportation, agricultural machinery, marine engines, and power generation, offering excellent lubricity and lower particulate emissions. Due to its renewable origin and favourable cold flow properties, SME is a preferred biodiesel feedstock in both domestic and export markets.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Physical Property | Value (Biodiesel B100 – SME) |
| Physical state | Liquid |
| Colour | Light yellow to amber |
| Odour | Mild, fatty odor |
| Melting point/freezing point | -3 to -6 °C |
| Boiling point or initial boiling point and range | >300 °C (decomposes before boiling) |
| Flammability | Combustible liquid (non-flammable by GHS criteria) |
| Lower and upper explosion limit | ~0.7 vol% (LEL) – ~5.0 vol% (UEL) |
| Flash point | >130 °C (typically 130–170 °C, closed cup) |
| Auto-ignition temperature | ~256 °C |
| pH (value)Â | Not applicable (non-aqueous)Â |
| Kinematic viscosity | 4.0–6.0 mm²/s at 40 °C |
| Dynamic viscosity | ~4.5–5.5 mPa·s at 20 °C |
| Water solubility | Insoluble, but may absorb moisture |
| Partition coefficient n-octanol/water (log value) | ~4.0–6.0 |
| Vapour pressure | <0.01 hPa at 20 °C |
| Density | 0.86–0.90 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
Applications
Biodiesel B100 (Soybean Methyl Ester) is primarily used as a renewable alternative to petroleum diesel in sectors such as transportation, agriculture, power generation, and marine engines. It is also utilized in government fleet programs, blending with conventional diesel (B5–B20 blends), and in the manufacture of lubricants, solvents, and biodegradable hydraulic fluids. Its clean-burning properties make it valuable in reducing emissions and improving engine performance.Â
Biodiesel pricing is shaped by several interconnected factors. The most significant is soybean oil pricing, as it is the primary feedstock for Soybean Methyl Ester (SME). Government blending mandates and diesel price movements directly influence demand, while supply-side elements such as feedstock availability, refining capacity, and logistics impact market stability. Seasonal variations, global crude oil trends, and policy shifts in key markets like Brazil and the EU can create further price volatility. Additionally, competition from alternative biodiesel feedstocks, such as palm oil or used cooking oil, can affect overall pricing dynamics in regional and international markets.
To negotiate favourable biodiesel pricing, buyers should closely track feedstock markets, diesel price trends, and blending mandate policies to better understand cost drivers. Exploring long-term contracts can help secure stable pricing and potential volume discounts, particularly during volatile periods. Diversifying sourcing by considering palm-based biodiesel or UCOME can enhance bargaining power. Building strong supplier relationships through trust, transparency, and consistent engagement ensures flexibility in pricing and priority access during supply constraints. Additionally, negotiating optimized logistics terms, such as delivery schedules or incoterms, can reduce freight-related costs and improve the overall landed cost of biodiesel.
Biodiesel procurement carries risks like price volatility, supply disruptions, and quality inconsistencies. Price fluctuations arise from changing soybean oil and diesel markets, while supply can be impacted by feedstock shortages, refinery outages, or transport delays. Quality risks emerge if biodiesel fails to meet ASTM D6751 or EN 14214 standards, leading to operational or compliance issues. Mitigation strategies include using financial hedging tools like forward contracts to manage price exposure, diversifying suppliers and feedstock sources to reduce dependency on one region, and implementing strict quality control measures, including third-party testing and regular supplier audits, to ensure consistent and reliable fuel performance.