Global palm oil exports hit historic highs this summer

In June-August 2025, global palm oil exports reached 14.8 million tonnes, a record high for the period on record and 1.7 million tonnes higher than the same period last year, according to Oil World (Germany).

Analysts attribute the increase in exports to improved price competitiveness for palm oil, which boosted demand. This contrasts with the decline in palm oil trade volumes in the first half of last season.

In particular, Indonesia increased its palm oil exports to 8.9 million tonnes, compared to 6.8 million tonnes in June-August last year, while Malaysia’s exports fell to 3.9 million tonnes (4.4 million tonnes).

China was the leading importer of palm oil with 1.66 million tonnes (1.56 million tonnes), followed by India with 2.86 million tonnes (2.48 million tonnes), the EU with 0.95 million tonnes (0.89 million tonnes), Bangladesh with 0.47 million tonnes (0.36 million tonnes), and Pakistan with 1.06 million tonnes (0.94 million tonnes).

Analysts also noted increases in palm oil exports to African countries: Egypt increased purchases to 0.42 million tonnes (0.3 million tonnes), and Kenya to 0.45 million tonnes (0.39 million tonnes).

According to OleoScope’s previous calculations, Indonesia increased its exports by more than one million tonnes to 25.6 million tonnes for the 2024/25 season, while Malaysia reduced shipments from 17.8 million tonnes to 17.0 million tonnes for the season.

Tags: Indonesia, Malaysia, palm oil