Beneath the lush canopy of oil palm trees across Indonesia lies a quietly surging trade story. February 2025 marked a turning point for the country’s palm oil industry, with exports surging like a ship catching a perfect wind—carrying the pride of a nation to markets worldwide. Mukti Sardjono, Executive Director of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), reported a sharp increase: total palm oil exports reached 2.803 million tons, up by 843 thousand tons from January’s 1.960 million. This rise is more than statistical—it signals the continued global appeal of Indonesian palm oil.
Processed palm oil products led the growth, jumping 43.5% from 1.449 million to 2.079 million tons. Crude palm oil (CPO) exports also surged from 39 thousand to 246 thousand tons. While oleochemical exports dipped 6.2%, the overall outlook remained positive. India posted the highest increase, with imports leaping 245% to 387 thousand tons, followed by strong demand from Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, and the EU. Meanwhile, exports to Russia, the U.S., and Egypt declined, highlighting the shifting dynamics of global trade. Export value rose 40%, from USD 2.274 billion in January to USD 3.192 billion in February, driven by higher CPO prices—up from USD 1,208 to USD 1,232 per ton—and a weaker rupiah. With rising domestic consumption and exports, end-of-February stock fell to 2.249 million tons, down 753 thousand from the previous month. In a volatile global market, Indonesia’s palm oil sector continues to shine—crossing oceans and proving its resilience on the world stage.
