FX.co ★ Palm Oil Inches Higher to Begin December

On the inaugural trading day of December, Malaysian palm oil futures advanced, clustering around MYR 4,120 per tonne. This marked the fourth consecutive session of gains, bolstered by stronger edible oil prices on the Dalian exchange. Concerns about supply also provided upward pressure. Data from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) revealed a 3.2% increase in production from November 1 to 20, a notable deceleration compared to October's increase of 7% to 10%. Looking at India, the largest consumer, palm oil imports for the 2025/26 period are anticipated to rise significantly to 9.3 million tonnes, up from 7.58 million tonnes, which was a five-year low. Nonetheless, weaker export figures limited further price increases. Intertek Testing Services reported a 19.7% month-on-month decline in November shipments. In China, a principal market, the economy showed signs of continued weakening in November, with declines noted in both the manufacturing and services sectors, as per official statistics. Additionally, Malaysia's commodities minister indicated a nearly 29% decrease in exports to China over the first ten months of 2025. In Indonesia, the leading supplier, the December reference price for crude palm oil was established at USD 926.14 per tonne, a decrease from USD 963.75.