Malaysian palm oil futures edged higher to near MYR 4,500 per tonne, rebounding from earlier losses amid support from a weaker ringgit and firmer edible oil prices on the Dalian exchange. Further strength came from higher crude oil prices, after U.S. defensive actions in southern Iran lifted the broader vegetable oil complex.
On the supply side, top producer Indonesia exported 2.17 million metric tons of palm oil products in March, down from 2.88 million tons in March 2025, according to an industry association. Jakarta also plans to channel commodity shipments through a state-run company starting in September, a shift seen as potentially benefiting Malaysian export flows in the meantime.
Upside, however, was limited by sluggish demand. Cargo surveyors reported that Malaysian palm oil exports for May 1–25 were down between 14.5% and 18.0% from April. Demand prospects from India, the world’s largest palm oil buyer, also remained uncertain after its palm oil imports slumped 26% in April to a four-month low. Markets will be closed on Wednesday for a holiday.
