Chinese Import of Lauric Oils Down in December 2017

Data from Oil World show China imported 65,400 MT of lauric oils in December 2017, slightly down by 2.8% from same month year-ago at 67,300 MT. Palm kernel oil remained the dominant lauric oil import amounting to 54,300 MT (83.0% share) while coconut oil was 11,100 MT (17.0%).  Import of coconut oil during the month declined 9.0% from year-ago at 12,200 MT, while palm kernel oil rose 1.4% from 55,100 MT.

Indonesia remained the country’s major source of lauric oil contributing 70.6% with delivery of 46,200 MT (52,500 MT year-ago) which consisted of 36,800 MT (42,700 MT) of palm kernel oil and 9,400 MT (9,800 MT) of coconut oil. Malaysia was responsible for 25.4% with total amounting to 16,600 MT (12,400 MT) which was solely palm kernel oil. The Philippines contributed 1.7% or 1,100 MT (800 MT) of coconut oil only. Supply from other countries was 1,400 MT (1,500 MT) which consisted of 500 MT (1,500 MT) of coconut oil and 900 MT (nil) of palm kernel oil. 

Total imports in January-December 2017 stood at 749,700 MT, an increase by 9.1% from 687,000 MT at the same time last year. Palm kernel oil was 615,500 MT (553,100 MT) and was mostly (75.0%) supplied by Indonesia at 461,900 MT (437,800 MT). Coconut oil was 134,200 MT (133,900 MT) and bulk of which at 90,100 MT (109,700 MT) representing 67.0% likewise came from Indonesia. The Philippines contributed 28.0% to total coconut oil.