U.S. Import of Lauric Oils Down in September

Data from Oil World show the U.S. imported 45,800 MT of lauric oils in September this year, slightly down by 5.4% from September year-ago at 48,400 MT. Coconut oil accounted for 53.5% of the total with 24,500 MT (28,600 MT year-ago), while palm kernel oil comprised the remaining 46.5% with 21,300 MT (19,800 MT). 

The Philippines was top supplier of lauric oil to the U.S. during the month with shipment of 17,900 MT (15,600 MT) of coconut oil, the equivalent of 39.1% of total lauric oil import.  Malaysia contributed 29.0% or 13,300 MT (15,800 MT) of which 4,700 MT (4,500 MT) was coconut oil and 8,600 MT (11,300 MT) was palm kernel oil.  Indonesia shared 28.6% or 13,100 MT (15,900 MT) of which 500 MT (7,500 MT) was coconut oil and 12,600 MT (8,400 MT) was palm kernel oil. Purchases from other countries totaled 1,500 MT (1,100 MT), of which 1,400 MT (1,000 MT) was coconut oil and 100 MT (100 MT) was palm kernel oil. 

The cumulative January-September figure which stood at 869,200 MT rose by 10.6% from a comparable year-earlier period total at 786,000 MT.   Coconut oil uptake was 489,800 MT (451,800 MT) of which 63.8% or 312,400 MT (316,400 MT) came from the Philippines. Palm kernel oil was 379,400 MT (334,200 MT) of which 78.6% or 298,100 MT (250,600 MT) originated from Indonesia.