US Lauric Oils Import Down in November 2022

The US reduced sharply by 32.1% its import of lauric oils in November 2022 from a similar month year-ago, according to data from Oil World, as shipments of both coconut oil and palm kernel oil dwindled. Total import during the month was 74,100 MT as against 109,200 MT year-ago.  Coconut oil at 46,300 MT (66,900 MT year-ago) was 62.5% of the total and the remainder or 37.5% was palm kernel oil at 27,800 MT (42,300 MT).

Indonesia was the biggest source of lauric oils during the month accounting for nearly two-thirds (60.9%) of aggregate or 45,100 MT (53,100 MT) made up largely of palm kernel oil at 27,300 MT (38,599 MT); coconut oil was only 17,800 MT (14,600 MT). The Philippines was second largest supplier responsible for 28.3% or 21,000 MT (48,400 MT) of coconut oil only. Malaysia shared 7.6% or 5,800 MT (6,600 MT) of which coconut oil was 5,600 MT (3,000 MT) and palm kernel oil was 200 MT (3,600 MT).  

Other suppliers contributed 3.0% or 2,200 MT (1,100 MT), thereof coconut oil was 1,900 MT (900 MT) and palm kernel oil was 300 MT (200 MT).  

The 11-month total import to November accumulated to 811,700 MT, topping by 2.8% previous year at 789,900 MT.  Coconut oil was 498,400 MT (434,900 MT) of which 63.0% or 276,400 MT (281,100 MT) came from the Philippines.  Palm kernel oil was 313,300 MT (355,000 MT) of which 88.8% or 278,200 MT (305,000 MT) originated from Indonesia.