Global palm oil exports rise amid overall price increases

According to Oil World (Germany), combined palm oil exports from Indonesia and Malaysia reached 4.04 million tonnes in January 2026. This represents a significant increase compared to the same period last year, with shipments reaching 1.4 million tonnes (in December 2025, shipments were at 4.41 million tonnes).

Analysts attribute the increased global demand to improved price competitiveness for tropical palm oil. Since December 2025, importers have begun to increase purchases, taking advantage of the price correction. A decline in soybean oil exports, primarily from Argentina, has created a window of opportunity for producers in Southeast Asia.

The largest increases in shipments in January were recorded in the following destinations:

• India: imports soared to 706,000 tonnes, up from 203,000 tonnes a year earlier;
• China: purchases increased to 449,000 tonnes, up from 193,000 tonnes in 2025;
• Egypt: shipments reached 224,000 tonnes, up from 130,000 tonnes;
• The European Union also showed strong momentum, importing 264,000 tonnes, up from 212,000 tonnes in January 2025.

In total, since the beginning of the current agricultural year (October-January), Indonesia has shipped 9.54 million tonnes, significantly higher than the 7.99 million tonnes for the same period in 2024/25, while Malaysia exported 5.72 million tonnes, slightly lower than last season’s figure (5.76 million tonnes).

The increase in shipments by country was as follows:

• China — an increase from 1.41 million tonnes to 2.13 million tonnes;
• India — a decline from 2.18 million tonnes to 2.12 million tonnes;
• EU — an increase to 1.12 million tonnes from 1.02 million tonnes a year earlier.

Experts predict continued elevated demand for palm oil in the short term. The key driver remains the limited supply of alternative vegetable oils on the global market, allowing palm oil to maintain its position.

Tags: export, prices, palm oil