Indonesia Palm Oil HS151190 Export Data 2025 August Overview

Indonesia Palm Oil (HS 151190) 2025 August Export: Key Takeaways

Indonesia Palm Oil Export 2025 August (HS Code 151190) is a bulk commodity trade, with Pakistan dominating as the top buyer at 13.88% of shipments and 13.53% of value, reflecting price-sensitive demand at $1.02/kg. The market shows clear buyer clusters: Pakistan and Bangladesh drive volume with low prices, while the US and Netherlands command premium rates for processed or sustainable oil. Exporters face pricing pressure from Malaysia and rising levies, pushing the need to diversify into higher-value markets. This analysis covers August 2025 and is based on verified Customs data from the yTrade database.

Indonesia Palm Oil (HS 151190) 2025 August Export Background

Indonesia Palm Oil under HS Code 151190—defined as vegetable oils, palm oil fractions (not crude, refined but not chemically modified)—fuels global food, biofuel, and cosmetics industries due to its versatility and stable demand. In 2025, Indonesia adjusted export levies and tariffs (e.g., raising plantation fund tariffs to USD 91.09/MT in August [FAS USDA]) to balance domestic supply and export competitiveness. As the world’s top palm oil exporter, Indonesia’s policy shifts directly impact global trade flows, especially amid ongoing U.S. tariff negotiations [Ukragroconsult].

Indonesia Palm Oil (HS 151190) 2025 August Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In August 2025, Indonesia's palm oil exports under HS code 151190 reached 2.03 billion USD in value and 1.99 billion kg in volume, marking a robust monthly performance amid policy adjustments.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The month-over-month increase from July to August saw export value rise by approximately 8% and volume by 3%, continuing the volatile trend observed throughout 2025, such as the sharp drop in April. This resilience aligns with typical palm oil export cycles, where mid-year often sees stabilized shipments after harvest fluctuations, but the overall volatility points to significant external policy impacts rather than pure seasonality.

External Context and Outlook

The temporary hike in export tariffs and plantation fund contributions in August, as detailed by [Global Trade Alert], directly drove higher export values by increasing costs. Coupled with Indonesia's push for U.S. tariff reductions (FAS USDA), these policy maneuvers underscore a strategic effort to balance domestic revenue needs with competitive global trade positioning for future months.

Indonesia Palm Oil (HS 151190) 2025 August Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In August 2025, Indonesia's Palm Oil exports under HS Code 151190 were dominated by sub-code 15119037, which accounted for over half of the value and weight. This sub-code represents refined palm oil fractions with a unit price of about 1.01 USD per kilogram. The analysis for August 2025 shows no extreme price anomalies among the significant sub-codes.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The other sub-codes fall into two groups: high-volume types like 15119020 with unit prices around 1.03 USD per kilogram, and high-frequency types like 15119036 with a unit price of 1.11 USD per kilogram but smaller shipment sizes. The consistent unit prices across these groups suggest a trade in fungible bulk commodities, closely linked to global market indices rather than differentiated products.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

As a commodity export, Indonesia's Palm Oil under HS Code 151190 has limited pricing power, driven by global supply and demand. Exporters must focus on managing costs and adhering to policy changes, such as the increased export levies in 2025 reported by [Global Trade Alert], which could impact trade flows and competitiveness. (Global Trade Alert)

Check Detailed HS 151190 Breakdown

Indonesia Palm Oil (HS 151190) 2025 August Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Pakistan is the dominant buyer of Indonesia Palm Oil HS Code 151190 Export in 2025 August, accounting for 13.88% of shipments and 13.53% of the total value. The nearly identical value and weight ratios for all major buyers confirm this is a bulk commodity trade. The average unit price for these exports is approximately $1.02 USD per kilogram.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The trade data reveals three clear buyer groups. The first cluster includes Pakistan and Bangladesh, which have high shipment frequencies but the lowest unit prices; they likely import large volumes of crude palm oil for basic refining and domestic food oil production. The second cluster is the United States and Netherlands, which show higher unit prices; these developed markets likely import more processed or certified sustainable palm oil for specialized food manufacturing and re-export within Europe. The third group includes China and Malaysia, which are major strategic partners; China's massive volume at a mid-range price suggests imports for both food processing and industrial use, such as biodiesel feedstock, while Malaysia's role may involve both domestic use and some re-export activities.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Indonesian exporters, the heavy reliance on price-sensitive markets like Pakistan and Bangladesh creates vulnerability to competitive pricing from Malaysia. The recent increase in export levies to support the domestic B40 biodiesel program [FAS USDA] will put upward pressure on prices, potentially hurting volume in these key markets. To mitigate this, a strategy to increase market share in higher-value destinations like the US is critical, especially by pursuing the proposed tariff reduction to 0% to match Malaysia's terms [Ukragroconsult]. Exporters must also prepare for the monthly adjustments in export duties and plantation fund tariffs (Global Trade Alert), which add complexity to pricing and contracts for Indonesia Palm Oil HS Code 151190 Export in 2025 August.

Get Complete Partner Countries Profile

Indonesia Palm Oil (HS 151190) 2025 August Export: Action Plan for Palm Oil Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Indonesia Palm Oil Export 2025 August under HS Code 151190 operates as a bulk commodity trade. Its price is driven by global market indices and policy shifts, not product differentiation. Key risks include competitive pressure from Malaysia and new export levies supporting domestic biodiesel programs. The supply chain must prioritize supply security and cost-efficient processing to serve both high-volume, price-sensitive markets and higher-value destinations.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Palm Oil Market Execution

• Use shipment frequency data to time contract negotiations with dominant buyers, securing volume commitments before monthly duty adjustments. This prevents margin erosion from sudden cost changes.
• Analyze unit price differences by destination to target sales toward markets like the US offering higher returns. This directly boosts profitability per shipment.
• Monitor competitor export volumes to key markets like Pakistan and adjust pricing strategies dynamically. This maintains competitiveness against Malaysian supply.
• Track policy updates on levies and tariffs weekly to update cost models and avoid contractual losses. This ensures compliance and protects against regulatory surprises.

Forward-Looking Risk Mitigation

The heavy reliance on a few high-volume buyers creates vulnerability. Diversifying into more value-driven markets reduces exposure to price wars. Policy changes will continue impacting costs. Proactive data use is essential for stability in the Indonesia Palm Oil Export 2025 August under HS Code 151190.

Take Action Now —— Explore Indonesia Palm Oil Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Indonesia Palm Oil Export 2025 August?

The increase in export value (8%) and volume (3%) from July to August 2025 reflects policy-driven volatility, including higher export levies and plantation fund contributions. This aligns with Indonesia's strategic push to balance domestic revenue needs with global competitiveness.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Indonesia Palm Oil Export 2025 August?

Pakistan dominates as the top buyer, accounting for 13.88% of shipments and 13.53% of value. Other key markets include Bangladesh, the United States, Netherlands, China, and Malaysia, each with distinct trade roles.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Indonesia Palm Oil Export 2025 August partner countries?

Price differences stem from product specialization: bulk buyers like Pakistan pay $1.02/kg for crude palm oil, while developed markets (e.g., US, Netherlands) import higher-priced processed or certified variants ($1.11/kg).

Q4. What should exporters in Indonesia focus on in the current Palm Oil export market?

Exporters must prioritize relationships with high-volume buyers (84.67% of trade value) while diversifying into premium markets like the US to offset risks from price-sensitive bulk buyers and policy shifts.

Q5. What does this Indonesia Palm Oil export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Bulk buyers (e.g., Pakistan) face cost pressures from Indonesia’s export levies, while premium markets benefit from stable high-grade supply. Strategic buyers can leverage Indonesia’s tariff negotiations for better terms.

Q6. How is Palm Oil typically used in this trade flow?

Palm oil is traded as a fungible bulk commodity, primarily for food oil production (crude grades) and specialized food manufacturing or biodiesel feedstock (processed/certified grades).