Exploring the Brazilian Market for Used Cooking Oil Biofuels

ary to November 2024.
With the success of the beef tallow indicators and increasing market interest in lower carbon intensity solutions, such as UCO, we decided to launch price indicators for UCO in Brazil last November. This initiative aimed to bring transparency and clarity to what was previously an informal trading market for UCO.
CD: That’s fascinating. Could you provide some insight into the methodology behind the UCO price indicators?
CM: Absolutely. The methodology behind the UCO price indicators is similar to our other indicators for animal fats. We use assessments based on market activity, discussions with market participants, and close monitoring of trading activities in the sector. We collect price information from buyers, sellers, traders, and other industry sources to ensure a comprehensive view of the market. This allows us to provide accurate, timely, and reliable price assessments for UCO in Brazil.
CD: It’s great to hear about the structured approach to developing these price indicators. Moving forward, could you share some information on the Brazilian UCO market export scenario and the short-term outlook for this market?
CM: The Brazilian UCO market has been gaining momentum in recent years, with increased interest and demand for lower carbon intensity feedstocks. Export volumes have been on the rise, driven by the country’s position as a major producer and exporter of UCO. The market has attracted attention from international buyers, looking for sustainable and environmentally friendly feedstock options. In the short term, we expect this trend to continue, with further growth in export volumes and market development.
CD: Thank you, Conrado, for sharing these insights into the Brazilian UCO market. It’s clear that this sector is evolving rapidly, with increasing focus on sustainability and lower carbon footprint solutions. We look forward to seeing how the market develops in the coming months and years.
CM: Thank you, Camila, for having me on this podcast. It’s been a pleasure to discuss the exciting developments in the Brazilian UCO market with you.
CD: And thank you to our listeners for tuning in to this episode of “The Biofuels Report.” Stay tuned for more updates on the latest trends and developments in the biofuels sector.
That wraps up this episode of “The Biofuels Report.” Thank you for listening, and be sure to check out our other podcasts for more insights into the energy and commodity markets. Stay informed and stay connected with Argus.

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In Brazil, there has been a growing interest in used cooking oil (UCO) as a lower carbon intensity solution in the market. Argus, a leading provider of energy and commodity price assessments, recognized this trend and launched UCO price indicators last November. These indicators aimed to bring transparency and clarity to the informal UCO trading market.
In a recent podcast episode of “The Biofuels Report,” Camila Dias, Argus’ head of editorial in Latin America, and Conrado Mazzoni, deputy bureau chief of Argus in Brazil, discussed the Brazilian UCO market, its methodology, and future outlook. The conversation highlighted Argus’ long history of covering biodiesel inputs in Brazil and the recent expansion of animal fat coverage, which includes beef tallow and soybean oil indicators.
With the success of the animal fat indicators and the market demand for lower carbon footprint feedstocks, such as UCO, Argus made the decision to launch UCO price indicators. These price assessments are developed through a structured methodology that involves market assessments, discussions with industry participants, and tracking trading activities. By collecting price information from various sources, Argus ensures the accuracy and reliability of its UCO price indicators in Brazil.
Looking at the export scenario for Brazilian UCO, the market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with increased interest from international buyers seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly feedstock options. This trend is expected to continue in the short term, with further growth in export volumes and market development on the horizon.
Overall, the Brazilian UCO market is evolving rapidly, driven by a focus on sustainability and lower carbon footprint solutions. As the market continues to develop, it will be interesting to see how these trends shape the future of the biofuels sector in Brazil and beyond.