Palm oil prices steady amid global shifts

[MALAYSIA] Malaysian crude palm oil (CPO) prices are projected to maintain a stable range of RM3,900 per metric ton throughout the second quarter of 2025, supported by robust demand from key importers and persistent supply challenges. This price level positions palm oil competitively against other vegetable oils, notably soybean oil, which has seen a price rebound.​

Market Dynamics and Demand Drivers

The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) reports that palm oil is currently considered "reasonably priced" at RM3,900 per metric ton. This pricing has made Malaysian palm oil an attractive option for major consumers like China and India. China is expected to increase its palm oil imports in May and June to replenish inventories ahead of the summer season, which typically sees higher consumption. Similarly, India is projected to rebuild its depleted inventories due to the narrowing price gap with soybean oil.​

The recent recovery in soybean oil prices has further bolstered palm oil's competitiveness in the global market. Previously, palm oil had commanded a premium over soybean oil due to supply disruptions and Indonesia's increased biodiesel mandate. However, improved supply conditions have pressured prices, leading to a 12% decline in Malaysian palm oil contract prices this year.​

Global food manufacturers are also contributing to increased palm oil demand, particularly in Europe, where producers are seeking cost-effective alternatives to sunflower and rapeseed oil amid geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. Analysts note that this pivot has been especially prominent among snack and processed food companies, who rely heavily on stable oil supplies.

In addition to traditional uses in food processing, palm oil is gaining traction in the cosmetics and personal care industries due to its moisturizing properties and sustainable sourcing certifications. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) recently reported a rise in certified sustainable palm oil demand, reflecting growing consumer preference for ethically sourced products.

Supply Constraints and Production Outlook

Despite favorable demand conditions, Malaysian palm oil production faces ongoing challenges. First-quarter output for 2025 remained the lowest in three years, and year-on-year production declines are expected to persist until September. A significant contributor to this downturn is a 10% fall in Sabah's output from January to March 2025, marking its lowest level in five years.​

Overall, Malaysia's palm oil production is forecasted to dip slightly to around 19 million metric tons in 2025. This modest decline, coupled with sluggish production growth, is anticipated to result in a moderate rise in palm oil inventories, which will be capped by the limited inventory build-up due to weak year-on-year production growth.​

The Malaysian government is working to mitigate production challenges by investing in mechanization and attracting foreign labor to the palm oil sector, which has long suffered from a labor shortage. New policies aim to streamline the hiring process for migrant workers while also offering incentives for local workforce development in plantation areas.

Regional Policy Impacts

Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producer, has implemented a higher biodiesel mandate, increasing the blend from 35% to 40%. This policy change is expected to absorb an additional 1.5 to 1.7 million metric tons of palm oil for domestic biodiesel production, reducing export availability and tightening global supplies.​

The implementation of the B40 mandate is projected to boost Indonesia's domestic palm oil use for biodiesel to 13.9 million metric tons from the estimated 11 million tons needed under the previous mandate. This shift is likely to favor Malaysian palm oil exports, as reduced export volumes from Indonesia could lead to higher demand for Malaysian palm oil in international markets.​

Thailand has also entered the regional mix with plans to increase its palm oil refining capacity in 2025, aiming to become a larger player in the ASEAN edible oil market. While this could eventually intensify competition, the short-term impact is likely to be limited as Malaysia retains a strong export infrastructure and longstanding trade ties with key importers.

Price Forecast and Market Outlook

Analysts anticipate that Malaysian palm oil prices will average higher in 2025 compared to 2024, with a forecasted average price of RM4,350 per metric ton. This represents a 5.4% increase from the previous year. The anticipated rise is attributed to increased biodiesel consumption in Indonesia, reduced export availability, and adverse weather conditions affecting production.​

However, the upside potential for palm oil prices may be limited by the availability of cheaper soybean oil from South America. Despite this, the combination of strong demand from China and India, coupled with supply constraints and policy shifts in Indonesia, is expected to support palm oil prices at current levels.​

As of April 2025, Malaysian palm oil prices are projected to remain steady at RM3,900 per metric ton, underpinned by strong demand from key importers and ongoing supply constraints. While global factors such as soybean oil pricing and regional policies in Indonesia may influence market dynamics, the current outlook suggests a stable pricing environment for Malaysian palm oil producers and exporters.​