U.S. Import of Lauric Oils Down in October

Oil World figures reveal U.S. import of lauric oils in October this year was 61,200 MT, sharply down by 25.1% from 81,700 MT in the same month year-ago.  Palm kernel oil comprised 56.7% of the total with 34,700 MT (37,400 MT year-ago) while coconut oil accounted for 43.3% with 26,500 MT (44,300 MT). 

Indonesia was top supplier of lauric oil to the U.S. during the month with shipment of 39,500 MT (45,000 MT), the equivalent of 64.5% of total lauric oil import. This consisted mostly of palm kernel oil at 32,000 MT (29,300 MT) and coconut oil at 7,500 MT (15,700 MT).  The Philippines shared 25.0% or 15,300 MT (27,400 MT) of coconut oil only.  Malaysia contributed 8.7% or 5,300 MT (8,100 MT) of which 2,900 MT (100 MT) was coconut oil and 2,400 MT (8,000 MT) was palm kernel oil.  Purchases from other countries totaled 1,200 MT (1,000 MT) of which 800 MT (1,000 MT) was coconut oil and 400 MT was palm kernel oil.  There was no import of palm kernel oil last year in October. 

January-October import which totaled 680,700 MT was 3.1% behind same time last year figure at 702,600 MT.  Coconut oil was 368,000 MT (387,100 MT) of which 63.2% or 232,700 MT (240,700 MT) came from the Philippines. Palm kernel oil was 312,700 MT (315,500 MT) of which 85.2% or 266,500 MT (241,300 MT) originated from Indonesia.