- Crude palm kernel oil markets weakened through Q2 2026 as improving Southeast Asian supply reduced the tightness seen at the start of the quarter.
- Higher palm kernel availability and stronger processing output eased feedstock pressure, although weather risks and elevated fertilizer costs limited the downside.
- Oleochemical, personal-care and food-sector demand remained steady, but buyers became cautious as improving availability reduced the need for aggressive restocking.
Asia
Asian crude palm kernel oil markets moved lower during Q2 2026 as supply conditions improved across Indonesia and Malaysia. USDA estimated Indonesia’s PKO production at 5.2 million MT in 2025/26, with exports at 1.5 million MT, indicating substantial availability for regional and international buyers. Domestic industrial consumption remained strong, driven mainly by oleochemicals, soaps, detergents and personal-care applications, but increased production reduced the urgency to secure additional cargoes. Malaysia also contributed to improved availability, with USDA estimating production at 2.22 million MT and exports near 1.15 million MT. Stronger Southeast Asian supply outweighed steady industrial consumption, keeping the market under pressure through the latter part of the quarter.
Europe
European crude palm kernel oil conditions softened as improved Southeast Asian availability reduced replacement-cost pressure for importers. The region remained heavily dependent on imported material, particularly for oleochemical, detergent, cosmetics and specialty chemical production. EU remained an important destination for Malaysian PKO, and the product remained competitive against other lauric oils. Purchasing stayed cautious as buyers anticipated greater supply availability, while weaker import activity into the Netherlands earlier in the marketing year pointed to restrained demand. Feedstock competition remained important, with users adjusting procurement between palm kernel and coconut-derived oils according to availability and processing requirements.
North America
North American crude palm kernel oil markets also benefited from softer Southeast Asian supply conditions, although freight and downstream processing costs limited the extent of the decline in landed values. The United States remained one of Indonesia’s major PKO export destinations. Demand from surfactants, personal care, food ingredients and industrial oleochemicals remained steady, but buyers avoided aggressive inventory building as overseas availability improved.