Palm retreats from 21-month high on stock outlook, weak exports

Jakarta—Malaysian palm oil futures retreated from a 21-month high on Thursday, settling little changed as weak exports and expectations of rising stocks weighed on the commodity. The benchmark December palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 2 ringgit, or 0.04%, to 4,996 ringgit ($1,220.17) a metric ton by midday. Previously, the contract hit its highest level since December 2024.

Paramalingam Supramaniam, a director at Selangor-based brokerage Pelindung Bestari, attributed the decline to poor September exports and expectations that end-month stocks could rise to around 3 million tons. However, the market found support in speculation that India might cut import duties on vegetable oils and Indonesia could raise its biodiesel blending mandate.

Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract increased 0.4%, while its palm oil contract climbed 0.18%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade declined 0.29%. Palm oil mirrors other edible oils as it competes for a share of the global vegetable oils market. However, palm output in Indonesia's Kalimantan region could drop 12% to 15% in the fourth quarter due to extended dry weather and widespread fires.

Cargo surveyors estimated Malaysian palm oil exports for September 1 to 15 declined between 17.8% and 25.6% compared to the previous month. The Indonesian currency, the ringgit, weakened 0.31% against the dollar, making the commodity more affordable for foreign buyers. Lower oil prices, following reports of Saudi Arabia offering additional crude cargoes via Oman, reduced fears of supply disruptions, but kept prices above $100 due to concerns over the Middle East conflict escalating.