Palm Oil Jumps to Over 4-Month High

Malaysian palm oil futures hovered above MYR 4,650 per tonne, recovering from earlier weakness amid a softer ringgit and firmer soyoil prices on the Dalian and Chicago markets. Strong exports also supported prices, with cargo surveyors noting June 1–20 shipments rose between 19.1% and 25% from the same period in May. Supply concerns persisted as the effects of El Niño continued to point to tighter output. In Indonesia, the world's largest supplier, the B50 biodiesel mandate is set to take effect on July 1, boosting expectations for stronger domestic consumption. Meanwhile, India's palm oil imports are projected to top 600,000 tonnes in June, up from 549,356 tonnes in May, highlighting resilient demand from the world's biggest buyer. However, gains were capped by weaker crude oil prices as easing concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz weighed on the energy market. Separately, Malaysia trimmed its July crude palm oil reference price while keeping its export duty at 10%.

Malaysian palm oil futures edged lower, holding below MYR 4,700 per tonne after a recent two-week peak, weighed by profit-taking and softer crude oil prices amid mixed U.S.–Iran signals. Meanwhile, Malaysia trimmed its July crude palm oil reference price but kept the export duty at 10%. Still, losses were cushioned by a weaker ringgit and strength in rival edible oils on Dalian and Chicago exchanges. Simultaneously, export momentum stayed firm, with cargo surveyors reporting June 1–20 shipments up between 19.1% and 25% from the same period in May. Meanwhile, El Niño’s lingering impact continued to stoke forecasts of tighter output. In Indonesia, the world’s top producer, the B50 biodiesel mandate will roll out July 1 after successful fuel tests, lifting domestic demand prospects. In the meantime, India’s imports are expected to exceed 600,000 tonnes in June, following May’s 549,356 tonnes, underscoring steady appetite from the largest buyer.

Malaysian palm oil futures extended their recent gains, hovering above MYR 4,650 and climbing to their highest level in more than two weeks. Sentiment was supported by strength in rival edible oils on the Dalian and Chicago exchanges, alongside a weaker ringgit that improved the commodity's export competitiveness. Strong export demand also underpinned prices, with cargo surveyor Intertek Testing Services noting that Malaysian palm oil product shipments rose 19.1% during June 1-20 from the same period in May. Supply concerns added further support as the lingering effects of El Niño continued to fuel forecasts of lower production. Meanwhile, imports by top buyer India are expected to exceed 600,000 tonnes in June after rising to 549,356 tonnes in May, signaling firm demand. However, gains were capped by a sharp drop in crude oil prices after reports that the U.S. and Iran made progress in talks toward a broader agreement within 60 days, including efforts to end hostilities in Lebanon.