Indonesia Palm Oil HS151190 Export Data 2025 May Overview

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

Indonesia's Palm Oil exports under HS Code 151190 in May 2025 reveal China as the dominant buyer, accounting for 10.50% of export value, with Asian neighbors like Pakistan and India forming a high-demand cluster. The lower value-to-weight ratio for China suggests bulk commodity-grade shipments, priced around 0.93 USD/kg, highlighting cost-driven sourcing. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, underscores concentrated buyer risk and regional reliance, urging exporters to stabilize Asian supply chains while diversifying into value-added products to mitigate policy shifts.

Indonesia Palm Oil (HS 151190) 2025 May Export Background

Indonesia's Palm Oil (HS Code 151190) includes refined palm oil and its fractions, a staple for food, biofuels, and cosmetics due to its versatility. Global demand remains strong, driven by its cost-effectiveness and wide applications. In May 2025, Indonesia raised export levies to 10% for crude palm oil under Regulation No. 30/2025 [FAS USDA], aiming to boost domestic biodiesel use. As the world's top exporter, Indonesia's policy shifts directly impact global supply chains, making its 2025 export trends critical for traders.

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

Key Observations

In May 2025, Indonesia's Palm Oil exports under HS Code 151190 surged to 1.65 billion USD in value and 1.68 billion kg in volume, marking a sharp recovery from the previous month.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The month-over-month spike from April's 1.08 billion USD and 1.00 billion kg reflects typical industry volatility, where palm oil exports often fluctuate due to seasonal production cycles and pre-policy shipment adjustments. This rebound aligns with common patterns where exporters accelerate volumes ahead of regulatory changes to mitigate cost impacts, highlighting the inherent responsiveness of the palm oil trade to external cues.

External Context and Outlook

This volatility is directly tied to Indonesia's policy shift in May 2025, when the government raised export levies on palm products including HS 151190 [USDA GAIN Report]. The levy increase likely spurred a rush to ship goods before higher costs took effect, driving the May surge. Moving forward, export levels may normalize but remain sensitive to further policy tweaks and global demand shifts.

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

Product Specialization and Concentration

Indonesia's Palm Oil HS Code 151190 exports in May 2025 were heavily concentrated in one product. Sub-code 15119037 dominated with a 54% value share, moving 931 million kilograms of refined palm oil at $0.96/kg. This high-volume, lower-unit-price product forms the bulk of Indonesia's export activity under this code.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining non-anomalous exports show a clear value spectrum. Two mid-tier products (15119020 and 15119031) moved large volumes at nearly identical prices around $0.97-$0.98/kg, indicating standardized industrial-grade material. A higher-value cluster (15119036 and 15119039) achieved prices from $1.09-$1.13/kg, suggesting specialty fractions or food-grade oil. This structure confirms palm oil under 151190 trades as a bulk commodity with slight quality differentiation, not as branded finished goods.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Exporters face compressed margins as most products cluster under $1.00/kg, with limited premium pricing power outside niche fractions. Recent Indonesian policy changes have increased cost pressures. The government raised export levies on refined palm oil to support domestic biodiesel blending [Gapki], which directly impacts the competitiveness of these 151190 exports. Companies must focus on cost efficiency and market diversification to offset these structural and policy challenges.

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

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In May 2025, Indonesia's Palm Oil exports under HS Code 151190 showed strong geographic concentration, with China as the dominant importer, accounting for 10.50% of export value and 11.08% of weight. The slightly lower value ratio compared to weight ratio suggests China imports bulk, lower-unit-price commodity-grade Palm Oil, priced around 0.93 USD/kg, indicating a focus on cost-efficient sourcing for large-scale consumption or processing.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The importers form two main clusters: first, Asian neighbors like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, with high volume shares (e.g., Pakistan at 9.87% value, 9.96% weight), driven by geographic proximity and strong demand for edible oils in local markets. Second, countries like the USA and Saudi Arabia, with moderate shares (e.g., USA at 5.22% value, 5.32% weight), likely reflect diversified demand for refined or specialty Palm Oil products in non-regional markets.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Exporters should prioritize stable supply chains to key Asian markets while monitoring policy shifts, such as the increased export levies imposed in May 2025 [USDA], which may raise costs. Diversifying to value-added products could mitigate risks, leveraging Indonesia's role as a top Palm Oil supplier under HS Code 151190. (USDA)

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

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Indonesia Palm Oil Export 2025 May under HS Code 151190 operates as a bulk commodity. Price is driven by Indonesian government policy, especially new export levies, and by product quality tiers. Most exports are low-price industrial grade. Supply chain implications focus on supply security for key Asian buyers and Indonesia's role as a processing hub for refined oil. High buyer concentration creates vulnerability to demand shifts or policy changes.

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

• Use HS Code 151190 shipment data to track buyer purchase frequency. This helps anticipate order cycles and prevent overstock or shortages.
• Analyze competitor pricing in real-time for key markets like China and Pakistan. Adjust your offers quickly to stay competitive on cost.
• Monitor policy updates from Indonesian ministries on levies and export rules. Early awareness allows cost planning and avoids shipment delays.
• Identify buyers in the high-value, high-frequency segment with trade data. Prioritize relationship management to secure stable, large-volume orders.
• Diversify into higher-value product codes within palm oil. This reduces reliance on low-margin bulk sales 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 May?

The surge in May 2025 exports (1.65B USD, 1.68B kg) reflects preemptive shipments ahead of Indonesia's increased export levies, highlighting the sector's sensitivity to policy shifts.

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

China dominates with 10.50% of export value, followed by Pakistan (9.87%) and India, driven by bulk demand in Asian markets.

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

Prices vary by product grade: bulk refined palm oil (15119037) trades at $0.96/kg, while specialty fractions (15119036/39) command $1.09–$1.13/kg.

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

Exporters must prioritize high-value, high-frequency buyers (77.42% of trade) and diversify into premium products to offset levy-driven cost pressures.

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

Buyers in key markets like China benefit from stable bulk supply, but niche buyers face limited options due to Indonesia’s product concentration.

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

Most exports (54% by value) are industrial-grade refined palm oil for food processing or biodiesel, with smaller volumes of food-grade specialty oils.