Palm Oil Import 2025: Market Surge

Global Palm Oil Import Market Landscape

Product Definition
Palm oil, classified under HS Code 1511, is a globally traded vegetable oil used extensively in food processing, biofuels, and consumer goods. As a cost-effective commodity, it drives demand across emerging economies and industrial sectors.

Strategic Insights

• Market Momentum: Global palm oil imports surged in mid-2025, peaking at $14.44B in July before moderating to $5.16B by September, reflecting volatile demand cycles.
• Geographic Power: Indonesia and Malaysia dominate supply (86.79% of exports), while India and Pakistan lead consumption, creating an Asia-centric trade flow.
• Supply Chain Structure: The market is supplier-consolidated, with top exporters controlling 65.96% of trade value, while bulk buyers (47.34% of importers) secure 78.29% of volume.

Global Palm Oil Import Trend in 2025 Whole Year

Global palm oil imports demonstrated significant volatility in 2025, reflecting both strong demand periods and market adjustments amid broader industry growth projections [Palm Oil Market Size, Share and Forecast, 2025-2032].

• Aggregate Performance: The market showed robust activity through mid-year, with July imports peaking at $14.44B before moderating.
• Period Dynamics: Trade opened strongly at $5.45B in January but concluded the observed period at $5.16B in September, indicating a cooling phase after mid-year highs.

Table: Palm oil Import Trend in 2025 Whole Year

Get Palm Oil Data Latest Updates

Palm oil Global Market Structure: Supply vs. Demand

Top Origin Countries & Production Hubs

• Indonesia dominates supply: Controls 75.31% of export quantity and 62.15% of export value, establishing overwhelming market control.
• Supply is duopolistic: Indonesia and Malaysia collectively command 86.79% of global export quantity (75.31% + 11.48%).
• Malaysia is the sole challenger: Holds 21.74% of export value despite lower quantity share. Other exporters hold negligible shares (all below 5.96% value).

Top Destination Countries & Consumption Markets

• India and Pakistan lead demand: India accounts for 87.22% of global import value, with Pakistan taking 26.45% of import quantity.
• Diverse demand drivers: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Philippines indicate strong end-consumer demand in populous developing economies. China's massive 62.01% weight share but low value suggests potential industrial processing/re-export activity.
• Emerging markets dominate: Top importers are primarily developing Asian and African nations, with China and the US as exceptions.

Supply-Demand Dynamics

• Extreme supply concentration meets broad demand: Indonesian duopoly supplies fragmented global demand across growth markets.
• Intra-Asian flow dominates: Primary trade routes move from Southeast Asia (Indonesia/Malaysia) to South Asia (India/Pakistan/Bangladesh) and East Africa (Kenya).
• Exporter pricing power prevails: Indonesia's supply stranglehold and Malaysia's strong position outweigh importer influence despite India's value share.

Table: Global Palm oil Import —— Top Destination Countries

Check Palm oil Import Detailed Country Profile

Table: Global Palm oil Import —— Top origin Countries

Check Palm oil Import Detailed Country Profile

Global Palm oil Import Analysis: Key Suppliers & Buyers

Suppliers Concentration & Strategy

• Power Center: Highly consolidated. Dominators (44.34% of suppliers) control 65.96% of export value.
• Operational Style: Majority ship frequently. High-Frequency clusters (High + Low Value) handle 75.17% of total shipments.
• Risk/Opportunity: Buyers face reliance on few giants. Backup options exist in fragmented Low-Value segments.

Oversea Buyers Procurement Patterns

• Procurement Behavior: Dominant bulk stockpiling. Dominators (47.34% of buyers) secure 78.29% import value through high-frequency shipments.
• Market Tier: Giant-driven. Dominators move 92.91% of quantity. Low-Frequency buyers are marginal (1.67% quantity share).

Market Entry & Negotiation Strategy

• New Exporters: Target Dominator buyers for volume stability but expect tough terms. Use Retail/JIT buyers for market testing.
• New Importers: Lock long-term contracts with High-Frequency suppliers. Use Bulk Movers for spot price opportunities.
• Critical Note: Avoid over-reliance on Dominator suppliers. Diversify with Niche players for contingency sourcing.

Table: Global Palm oil Import —— Top Buyers

Access Palm oil Trade Company Profile

Table: Global Palm oil Import —— Top Suppliers

Access Palm oil Trade Company Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS Code for Palm oil?

HS Code 1511 classifies Palm oil and its fractions, whether refined or crude, under the global Harmonized System for trade statistics.

Which country is the largest exporter of Palm oil in 2025 Whole Year?

Indonesia is the dominant exporter, with shipments valued at 241.40B, commanding the global palm oil supply.

Who are the top importers of Palm oil in 2025 Whole Year?

India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh lead imports. India is the largest consumer (338.60B value), while Pakistan and Bangladesh serve as major processing hubs.

Who are the major suppliers and companies trading Palm oil in 2025 Whole Year?

Top buyers include Gokul Agro Resources Limited and Patanjali Foods Limited, while key suppliers are Olam Global Agri Pte Ltd and Wilmar Trading Pte Ltd.

Why do Palm oil import rankings sometimes differ from export destination lists?

Trade asymmetries occur because exports report intended destinations (FOB value), while imports record actual arrivals (higher CIF value). Discrepancies also arise from trans-shipments via intermediary hubs.

How to find reliable Palm oil suppliers and exporters in 2025 Whole Year?

Access verified shipment records and active suppliers for HS Code 1511 in regions like Indonesia using the yTrade database, which provides bill of lading details and partner lists.