Chinese Import of Lauric Oils Down in May

Data from Oil World show China imported 49,300 MT of lauric oils in May, sharply down by 44.2% from same month year-ago at 88,300 MT. Palm kernel oil remained the dominant lauric oil import amounting to 35,800 MT (72.6% share) while coconut oil was 13,500 MT (27.4%).  Both imports of coconut oil and palm kernel oil during the month declined by 11.8% from 15,300 MT and by 51% from 73,000 MT, respectively. 

Indonesia remained the country’s major source of lauric oil contributing 61.1% with delivery of 30,100 MT (62,500 MT year-ago) which consisted of 24,400 MT (56,300 MT) of palm kernel oil and 5,700 MT (6,200 MT) of coconut oil. Malaysia was responsible for 23.3% with total amounting to 11,500 MT (19,900 MT) of which 11,400 MT (15,800 MT) was palm kernel oil and 100 MT (4,100 MT) was coconut oil. The Philippines contributed 15.2% or 7,500 MT (4,900 MT) of coconut oil only. Supply from other countries was 100 MT (900 MT) which consisted of 100 MT (100 MT) of coconut oil. There was no palm kernel oil import as against last year import at 800 MT.  
 
Total imports in January-May stood at 251,200 MT, down by 40.3% from 420,800 MT at the same time last year. Palm kernel oil was 188,100 MT (343,400 MT) and was mostly (64.9%) supplied by Indonesia at 122,000 MT (288,100 MT). Coconut oil was 63,100 MT (77,400 MT) and bulk of which at 37,700 MT (39,100 MT) representing 60.0% likewise came from Indonesia. The Philippines contributed 32.2% to total coconut oil import.