Palm Oil Hits Over 4-Month High Above MYR 4,800

Malaysian palm oil futures extended recent gains, hovering above MYR 4,800 per tonne and reaching their highest level since early April. Firmer edible oils on the Dalian and Chicago markets supported sentiment, while higher crude oil prices provided an additional boost as prospects for a deal to end the Middle East war appeared increasingly distant. However, a stronger ringgit limited further gains. Elevated inventories also remained a headwind, with Malaysia’s palm oil stocks rising to a five-month high in July as production outpaced exports. In top consumer India, record soyoil imports expected in August could weigh on palm oil demand, as competitive prices encourage refiners to favor the cheaper alternative ahead of festive demand. Export signals were mixed, with Intertek Testing Services estimating Malaysian palm oil product shipments fell 7.9% in August 1–15 from a month earlier, while AmSpec Agri Malaysia reported a 3.2% increase.

Malaysian palm oil futures surged over 2% to around MYR 4,820 per tonne, marking their highest level since early April and rebounding from recent weakness. Firmer edible oils on the Dalian exchange lifted sentiment, while bargain hunting added support. Demand prospects improved as India's edible oil imports hit a 10-month high in July, with refiners replenishing palm oil and soyoil stocks ahead of the festival season. However, gains were capped by a stronger ringgit and weaker soyoil futures in Chicago markets. Meanwhile, elevated inventories remained a drag, with Malaysia’s July palm oil stocks climbing to a five-month high as production outpaced exports. Simultaneously, export prospects softened, with Intertek estimating shipments fell 7.9% in August 1–15 from the same period in July. Traders also turned cautious ahead of China’s July activity data, including retail sales and industrial output, which could provide fresh clues on demand in another key market.

Malaysian palm oil futures extended gains, hovering around MYR 4,725 per tonne and heading for a second consecutive weekly advance, supported by firmer edible oils on the Dalian markets and improving export prospects. Cargo surveyors estimated Malaysian palm oil shipments rose between 2.6% and 14.8% in the first 10 days of August from the same period in July. Demand prospects also strengthened after edible oil imports in top buyer India climbed to a 10-month high in July, as refiners increased purchases of palm oil and soyoil to replenish inventories ahead of the festival season, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India. Higher oil prices also lent support amid U.S. threats to maintain a naval blockade of Iran. However, gains were capped by a stronger ringgit and weaker soyoils on the Chicago exchange. Meanwhile, Malaysia lowered its September crude palm oil reference price, although the adjustment was insufficient to bring the export duty below 10%.