U.S. Import of Lauric Oils Up in April

Data from Oil World show the U.S. imported 79,400 MT of lauric oils in April, a substantial increase by 12.4% from 63,700 MT in April year-earlier. Coconut oil comprised 51.1% of total import at 40,600 MT (36,900 MT last year) and the balance 48.9% at 38,800 MT (26,800 MT) was palm kernel oil.    
Indonesia was top supplier of lauric oil to the U.S. during the month with shipment of 48,100 MT (24,700 MT) of which 13,500 MT (6,000 MT) was coconut oil and 34,600 MT (18,700 MT) was palm kernel oil, the equivalent of 60.6% of total lauric oil import.  The Philippines contributed 25.8% with 20,500 MT (24,000 MT) of coconut oil.  Malaysia shared 12.3% or 9,800 MT (13,700 MT) of which 5,600 MT (5,700 MT) was coconut oil and 4,200 MT (8,000 MT) was palm kernel oil.  Purchases from other countries totaled 1,100 MT (1,300 MT), of which 1,000 MT (1,200 MT) was coconut oil and 100 MT (100 MT) was palm kernel oil.   
The cumulative January-April data at 269,900 MT dropped by 10.9% from a comparable year-earlier period total at 303,000 MT.  Coconut oil uptake was 135,300 MT (174,800 MT) of which 65.4% or 88,500 MT (129,300 MT) came from the Philippines.  Palm kernel oil was 134,600 MT (128,200 MT) of which 77.6% or 104,500 MT (99,500 MT) came from Indonesia