US Import of Lauric Oils Up in December 2024

Data from Oil World revealed the US imported 63,500 MT of lauric oils in December 2024, increasing appreciably by 20.3% from December a year earlier at 52,800 MT.  The increase was exclusively on account of coconut oil which hiked 54.9% to 33,000 MT from 21,300 MT year-ago.  Palm kernel oil slightly reduced shipment by 3.2% to 30,500 MT from 31,500 MT.  Coconut oil was 52.0% of total lauric oil import during the month and palm kernel oil was 48.0%.

Indonesia was leading source of lauric oil responsible for 50.4% of the lauric oil mix or 32,000 MT (37,600 MT year-ago) consisting of 3,700 MT coconut oil (9,300 MT) and 28,300 MT palm kernel oil (28,300 MT).  Delivery from the Philippines was solely coconut oil at 27,200 MT (10,500 MT) and accounted for 42.8%.

Shipment from Malaysia was limited and contributed 3.3% or 2,100 MT (3,000 MT) comprising of 100 MT coconut oil (100 MT) and 2,000 MT (2,9 00 MT) palm kernel oil.  Combined imports from other countries tallied 2,200 MT (1,700 MT) and shared 3.5%.  Of the total, coconut oil was 2,000 MT (1,400 MT) and palm kernel oil was 200 MT (300 MT).

Total lauric oil imports for the calendar year 2024 reached 855,400 MT, topping by 13.2% same time last year data at 755,700 MT.  Coconut oil was 495,100 MT (410,500 MT) of which 84.2% or 416,700 MT (273,700 MT) came from the Philippines.  Palm kernel oil was 360,300 MT (345,200 MT) of which 85.6% or 308,500 MT (300,700 MT) was sourced from Indonesia.