India’s palm oil imports surged 61% month-on-month in June 2025, reaching an 11-month high of 953,000 metric tons, as refiners responded to falling domestic inventories and palm oil’s steep discount over rival oils like soy and sunflower oil.
This spike comes at a strategic time when Malaysia and Indonesia, the world’s largest producers, seek to offload excess stocks—supporting global prices amid a seasonal production uptick.
Key Highlights:
- Imports Jump:
Palm oil imports rose to 953,000 MT in June, the highest since July 2024, according to dealer estimates.
- Price Advantage:
Palm oil is currently $100/ton cheaper than soybean and sunflower oil, regaining lost market share.
- Total Edible Oil Imports Surge:
India’s total edible oil imports in June rose 30% month-on-month to 1.53 million tons, the highest since November.
- Soyoil and Sunflower Trends:
- Soyoil imports fell 9% to 363,000 tons.
- Sunflower oil imports increased 18% to 216,000 tons.
- Marketing Year Averages:
- Current year (till June): Avg. palm oil imports at 475,699 tons/month
- Last year: Avg. 750,000 tons/month
- Looking Ahead:
Experts expect palm oil demand to remain strong due to attractive pricing and rising production in Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Top Origins of Imports:
- Palm oil: Indonesia, Malaysia
- Soyoil & Sunflower oil: Argentina, Brazil, Russia, Ukraine
- Nepal Import Dip:
Nepal’s edible oil imports halved from 155,000 tons in May to 75,000 tons in June, per GGN Research.
“Palm oil has been regaining lost market share since last month. It’s nearly $100 per ton cheaper than competing oils,”
— Sandeep Bajoria, CEO, Sunvin Group
— Sandeep Bajoria, CEO, Sunvin Group
