US Imports Of Lauric Oils Down in June

Data from Oil World show the US imported 72,200 MT of lauric oils in June, reducing by 16.1% same month last year data at 86,100 MT.  The decline was on account of sharp fall in coconut oil shipment, which came down 46.3% to 24,600 MT from 45,800 MT. On the other hand, palm kernel oil import grew 18.1% to 47,600 MT from 40,300 MT.  Coconut oil was 34.1% of total lauric oil import and palm kernel oil 65.9%.

Indonesia was this month’s leading supplier of lauric oils to the US responsible for 57.9% of total, with delivery of 41,800 MT (36,900 MT last year).  This comprised of 2,900 MT (1,800 MT) of coconut oil and 38,900 MT (35,100 MT) of palm kernel oil.  The Philippines was second major source of lauric oil, supplying 19,100 MT (40,100 MT) of coconut oil only.  This contributed to 26.5% of the total imports.

Shipment from Malaysia was 8,600 MT (4,900 MT) and was solely palm kernel oil.  Market share was 11.9%.  Orders from other countries accounted for 3.7% or 2,700 MT (4,200 MT).  The mix was largely coconut oil at 2,600 MT (3,900 MT), with palm kernel oil at merely 100 MT (300 MT).

Total imports for the first half of this year reached 402,500 MT, recording a shortfall of 6.9% from 432,400 MT in a similar period a year ago. Of this total, coconut oil was 217,200 MT (233,600 MT), of which 87.0% or 188,900 MT (193,800 MT) came from the Philippines.  Palm kernel oil was 185,400 MT (198,800 MT) of which 82% or 152,000 MT was sourced from Indonesia.