EIA Biofuels Data Issued Today Shows Tallow and Corn Oil Still Eating Away at Soyoil

Newly released May data from the EIA confirms a 2.9% month-over-month increase in combined biodiesel and renewable diesel production—marking a clear summer resurgence in the US biofuels sector. Operable capacity for renewable diesel also rose by 200 million gallons, reaching 4.718 billion gallons per year.

Key for traders is the continued shift in feedstock mix. Soybean oil use declined from 38% to 35%, reinforcing a longer-term trend. In contrast, tallow usage surged by 45% in May and now accounts for 28% of the total feedstock pool—up from 16%. Corn oil consumption also increased by 20%, moving from 12% to 14%.

This evolving feedstock landscape signals changing economics and strategic compliance decisions under the RFS and upcoming 45Z guidance.

Bio/RD feedstock use - May 2025