Palm oil exports from Indonesia rose 60% in January

In January 2026, Indonesia recorded a sharp increase in crude palm oil (CPO) and derivatives exports, Indonesia Business reports. However, the record shipments were unable to offset the overall deterioration of the country’s foreign trade balance.

Palm oil export value reached $2.29 billion, 59.6% higher than the January 2025 figure of $1.44 billion. The physical volume of shipments increased by 77%, from 1.27 million to 2.24 million tonnes.

The sector’s share of Indonesia’s non-resource exports amounted to 10.78%.

The average CPO price in January increased by 1.8% compared to December 2025, reaching $997.8 per tonne. However, in annual terms, prices remain 6.8% lower than last year’s level, indicating stabilization of the global oil market.

The statistics bureau did not provide a full breakdown of exports, but noted that the “animal and vegetable oils and fats” category (dominated by palm oil) accounted for a significant share of shipments to Iran, at $2.1 million. Analysts emphasize that the January data does not yet take into account the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East that occurred after the reporting period.

Despite the explosive growth of this key export commodity, Indonesia’s overall trade surplus has significantly declined, reaching $0.95 billion compared to $3.49 billion a year earlier.

Earlier, it was announced that the export duty on unrefined palm oil from Indonesia will increase from $74 to $124 this month.

Tags: export, Indonesia, palm oil