US Import of Lauric Oils Down in February

Import of lauric oils of the United States in February was 71,800 MT, according to data from Oil World.  This is as 12.7% drop from 82,200 MT in February last year.  Of the total, coconut oil was 39,600 MT or 55.2% of the pack and palm kernel oil was 32,200 MT or 44.8%.  Both oils registered reduction from respectively year-ago levels with coconut oil declining 7.3% from 42,700 MT and palm kernel oil a steeper 18.5% from 39,500 MT.  

The Philippines remained the leading supplier of lauric oils during the month responsible for 52.1% from shipment of coconut oil of 37,400 MT (32,900 MT last year).  Indonesia followed with delivery of 27,700 MT (43,000 MT) and accounting for 38.6%.  This comprised of 300 MT (8,200 MT) coconut oil and 27,400 MT (34,800 MT) palm kernel oil.  Shipment from Malaysia was 4,400 MT (4,400 MT) of palm kernel oil only and contributed 6.1%.  Imports from Other countries at 2,300 MT (1,900 MT) shared 3.2%.  This was made up of 1,900 MT coconut oil (1,600 MT) and 400 MT palm kernel oil (300 MT).

Imports in January-February tallied 148,100 MT, little changed from last year’s 149,000 MT.  Coconut oil was 88,800 MT (77,100 MT) with the Philippines an almost exclusive source (93.2% share) from delivery of 82,800 MT (53,800 MT).  Palm kernel oil was 59,300 MT (71,900 MT) of which 79.3% came from Indonesia.