News Capsule: Palm oil imports hit 8-month low in December; soyoil and sunflower oil buying rises
06-Jan-2026 11:16 AM
News Capsule: Palm oil imports hit 8-month low in December; soyoil and sunflower oil buying rises
★ India’s palm oil imports fell to an eight-month low in December 2025 due to weak seasonal demand. Imports declined 20% month-on-month to 507,000 tonnes, the lowest level since April 2025.
★ Palm oil consumption typically eases during winter, especially in northern India. In addition, refiners increased purchases of rival oils such as soyoil and sunflower oil, putting further pressure on palm oil imports.
★ In December, soyoil imports rose 37% to 508,000 tonnes, while sunflower oil imports more than doubled to 350,000 tonnes, a 17-month high. Driven by these higher volumes, India’s total edible oil imports increased 19% month-on-month to 1.37 million tonnes, a three-month high.
★ Lower palm oil imports could lead to higher inventories in key producing countries Indonesia and Malaysia, weighing on palm oil futures. However, imports may recover in January as palm oil is currently trading at a discount to soyoil and sunflower oil.