Palm oil statistics - facts and figures

In 2018, palm oil production reached a record high of 83.6 million metric tons. This was an increase of 5.6 million metric tons from the previous year. The top five palm oil producing countries are Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Colombia, and Nigeria. Together, they account for 86% of the world's palm oil production.

The palm oil industry has come under fire in recent years for its environmental impact. Palm oil plantations are responsible for deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change. In order to combat these problems, many companies have committed to sourcing palm oil from sustainable sources.

The global palm oil industry

The palm oil industry is a major driver of economic growth in many developing countries, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. It is also a significant contributor to the global economy, with palm oil exports valued at over $50 billion in 2017.

The palm oil industry has come under scrutiny in recent years due to its environmental impact. Palm oil production is responsible for significant deforestation in tropical countries, as well as for air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Despite these concerns, the demand for palm oil continues to grow, driven by its low price and versatility. Palm oil is used in a wide range of products, including food, cosmetics, and biofuels.

The future of the palm oil industry will largely depend on how these environmental concerns are addressed. If palm oil production can be made more sustainable, it will continue to play an important role in the global economy.

What countries produce the most palm oil?

Palm oil is one of the most popular oils in the world, and it’s no surprise that it’s produced in many countries. Here are the top five palm oil producing countries, based on data from the World Palm Oil Association:

• Indonesia: This Southeast Asian country is the world’s largest producer of palm oil, with a production volume of 43.7 million tons in 2017. It’s also the largest exporter of palm oil, with a export volume of 18.6 million tons in the same year.
• Malaysia: This country is the second largest producer of palm oil, with a production volume of 20.9 million tons in 2017. It’s also the second largest exporter of palm oil, with a export volume of 8.5 million tons in the same year.
• Thailand: This country is the third largest producer of palm oil, with a production volume of 2.7 million tons in 2017.
• Colombia: This South American country is the fourth largest producer of palm oil, with a production volume of 1.7 million tons in 2017.
• Nigeria: This African country is the fifth largest producer of palm oil, with a production volume of 1.6 million tons in 2017.

Palm oil consumption statistics

In 2018, palm oil consumption was estimated at nearly 73.5 million metric tons. This figure includes palm kernel oil and crude palm oil, but excludes refined palm oil and fractions. Palm oil is the most widely consumed vegetable oil globally, ahead of soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil.

Approximately two-thirds of palm oil is used in food applications, while the rest is used for biofuels, cosmetics, and other industrial uses. The largest palm oil consuming countries are India, Indonesia, and China. Together, these three countries account for over 70% of global palm oil consumption.

In recent years, there has been increasing public concern about the environmental impact of palm oil production. Palm oil cultivation has been linked to deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change. As a result, many companies have committed to sourcing palm oil from certified sustainable sources.