What It Is
Palm oil is a highly versatile edible vegetable oil extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). It is the world’s most consumed vegetable oil, widely used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuel industries. Its deep red-golden color, high oxidative stability, and cost-effectiveness make it one of the most sought-after commodities in global trade.
Nutritional Value
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Rich in Vitamin E (tocotrienols and tocopherols), a powerful antioxidant.
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High in beta-carotene (pro-Vitamin A) which supports vision and immunity.
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Provides essential fatty acids for energy and body function.
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Free from trans fats, making it suitable for industrial food applications.
Types of Palm Oil for Export
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Crude Palm Oil (CPO): Unrefined, reddish oil extracted from the pulp.
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Refined Palm Oil (RBD Palm Oil): Bleached and deodorized for cooking and industrial use.
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Palm Kernel Oil: Extracted from the kernel/seed, with different chemical properties and industrial uses.
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Fractionated Palm Oil: Split into olein (liquid) and stearin (solid) for specialized applications.
Uses
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Food Industry:
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Used in cooking oils, margarines, shortenings, ice cream, instant noodles, and baked goods.
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Adds stability and extended shelf life to processed foods.
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Cosmetic Industry:
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Used in soaps, creams, lotions, shampoos, and detergents.
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Pharmaceuticals:
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Serves as a base for medicinal creams and capsules.
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Bioenergy:
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Increasingly used in biodiesel and renewable energy industries.
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Export Packaging
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Jerrycans: 10L, 20L, 25L sealed containers.
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Drums: 190kg metal or plastic drums.
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Flexitanks/IBCs: For bulk liquid shipments.
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PET Bottles: 1L, 2L, 5L for retail markets.
Export Market Demand
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Palm oil accounts for over 35% of the world’s vegetable oil consumption.
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Strong demand in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
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Rising use in biofuel markets is further boosting demand.
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Increasing preference for certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) in Western markets.
Export Potential & Value
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Palm oil remains a multi-billion-dollar global industry with consistent growth.
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High-value potential in branded consumer packaging for supermarkets.
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The versatility across food, cosmetics, and energy industries makes it one of the most profitable export commodities.
HS Codes
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Crude Palm Oil (CPO): 15111000
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RBD Palm Oil: 15119000
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Palm Kernel Oil: 15132100
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Palm Stearin/Olein: 15132900
Summary: Palm oil is one of the most versatile and in-demand vegetable oils globally. Its widespread applications in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy make it a profitable and sustainable export product with huge market opportunities.
