March 19 (Bloomberg) -- South Africa signed a contract to export between 70 and 90 percent of output from a planned 400,000 metric tons a year biodiesel plant to Germany, Business Day reported, citing the East London Industrial Development Zone.

An environmental impact assessment is under way and production from the plant will start next year, the Johannesburg-based newspaper said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ron Derby in Johannesburg at rderby1@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: March 19, 2009 02:35 EDT