US Import of Lauric Oils Up in November 2019

Data from Oil World show the US imported 62,400 MT of lauric oils in November, a substantial increase by 42.1% from 43,900 MT in November year-earlier. Coconut oil comprised 56.2% of total import at 35,100 MT (29,000 MT last year) and the balance 43.8% at 27,300 MT (14,900 MT) was palm kernel oil.    

The Philippines was leading supplier of lauric oils during the month with delivery of 25,500 MT (23,500 MT) of coconut oil, representing 40.9% of total lauric oil purchases.  Close behind was Indonesia with shipment of 24,800 MT (12,400 MT), a mix of 500 MT coconut oil (4,200 MT) and 24,300 MT (8,200 MT) palm kernel oil, which accounted for 40.0%. Malaysia contributed 11,100 MT (6,800 MT) of which palm kernel oil was 2,900 MT (6,600 MT) and coconut oil was 8,200 MT (200 MT) for a 17.8% market share.  Deliveries from other countries totaled 1,000 MT (1,300 MT) of which 900 MT (1,200 MT) was coconut oil and 100 MT (100 MT) was palm kernel oil.  

Total import in January-November was 743,000 MT, dropping by 1.8% from 756,900 MT at the same time last year.  Coconut oil was 423,100 MT, 3.7% short of last year at 439,400 MT while palm kernel oil was 319,900 MT, likewise behind by 2,400 MT from prior year at 317,500 MT.  Bulk of coconut oil uptake (67.2%) came from the Philippines at 284,200 MT (309,800 MT) while that of palm kernel oil (76.0%) was delivered by Indonesia at 243,200 MT (238,900 MT).