Why is Cargill exploring beef tallow for biodiesel production in Brazil?

Cargill is studying the feasibility of using beef tallow to produce biodiesel in Brazil because U.S. tariffs—currently at 10% and potentially rising—have made exports of Brazilian beef tallow to the U.S. less attractive; as trader Paulo Cardoso stated, these tariffs 'opened eyes' to the need to seek new markets, and Cargill's Brazil unit had previously acted as a major tallow exporter to the U.S.

What evidence suggests Cargill can technically use beef tallow in its Brazilian biodiesel operations?

One of the three biodiesel plants Cargill acquired from Brazilian firm Granol in 2023 previously used tallow, indicating there are no operational constraints to adopting it; although Cargill does not currently use beef tallow, it has launched a project to assess its viability for biodiesel production in Brazil.

Cargill Studies Beef Tallow for Brazil Biodiesel as US Tariffs Bite

Jun 16, 2026

Cargill is evaluating beef tallow usage for biodiesel production in Brazil after U.S. tariffs reduced export attractiveness. The assessment leverages existing plant capacity to diversify feedstock beyond soybean oil amid changing trade dynamics.

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