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In early 2025, palm oil exporters in Indonesia continue to dominate the global market. As the world’s largest producer and exporter of palm oil, Indonesia plays a critical role in fulfilling the global demand for this versatile commodity.
But with growing domestic pressures, regulatory challenges, and rising competition from neighboring countries, exporters must navigate a shifting landscape. In this article, we examine the key export trends, major players, opportunities, and challenges facing the industry.
Who is the largest exporter of palm oil in the world?
According to TradeInt‘s latest trade data 2025, Indonesia is the world’s largest palm oil exporter and continues to lead the global palm oil market by a wide margin. In the first five months of 2025, the country exported around 8.3 million tons of palm oil products, representing a 3.6% year-over-year increase. This export volume confirms the country’s position as a leading supplier to both developed and emerging economies.
The top 5 world's largest palm oil exporters in H1 2025:
- Indonesia, export value: 3.36 USD billion
Key notes: Major exports to India, China, and Pakistan. Government pushing B40 biodiesel, price stabilization. Land, sustainability, and labor policy shifts.
- Malaysia, export value: 1.77 USD billion
Key notes: Major buyers: India, China, Kenya, Philippines. Facing labor shortages and responding to EU green policies. Exports rebounded in Q3.
- Colombia, export value: 428.1 USD million
Key notes: High domestic biodiesel demand has curbed export growth. Main buyers: EU, Mexico. Strategic investment in productivity and traceability.
- Peru, export value: 93.76 USD million
Key notes: Top LATAM exporter after Colombia. Main buyers: Mexico, Chile, Ecuador. New sustainability frameworks, but face land/environment pressure.
- Philippines, export value: 44.51 USD million
Key notes: Growth trend, but vulnerable to climate. Major buyers: Malaysia, Vietnam, China. Focus on domestic demand, value-added products, and delivery reliability.
| The world’s biggest palm oil exporters in H1 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Country | Export value (USD$ billion) | Key Highlights |
| 1 | Indonesia | 3.359 | Major exports to India, China, and Pakistan. Government pushing B40 biodiesel, price stabilization. Land, sustainability, and labor policy shifts. |
| 2 | Malaysia | 1.774 | Major buyers: India, China, Kenya, Philippines. Facing labor shortages and responding to EU green policies. Exports rebounded in Q3. |
| 3 | Colombia | 0.43 | High domestic biodiesel demand has curbed export growth. Main buyers: EU, Mexico. Strategic investment in productivity and traceability. |
| 4 | Peru | 0.09 | Top LATAM exporter after Colombia. Main buyers: Mexico, Chile, Ecuador. New sustainability frameworks, but face land/environment pressure. |
| 5 | Philippines | 0.04 | Growth trend but vulnerable to climate. Major buyers: Malaysia, Vietnam, China. Focus on domestic demand, value-added products, and delivery reliability. |
| 6 | Ghana | 🔒 Request a demo to unlock full trade insights | Exports are climbing, under 0.1Mn tons. Regional leader in West Africa. Exports to the EU, ECOWAS. Government program for processing, smallholder support. |
| 7 | Vietnam | 🔒 Request a demo to unlock full trade insights | Smaller exporter but rising: main markets Cambodia, Laos. Palm oil trade supported by Malaysia, with demand rebounding post-pandemic. |
| 8 | Liberia | 🔒 Request a demo to unlock full trade insights | Ships mainly to the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, the Netherlands, Ghana, and Spain. Infrastructure and processing investments strengthening sector. |
| 9 | Costa Rica | 🔒 Request a demo to unlock full trade insights | Export volume fluctuates; top buyers are Mexico, Netherlands, and Nicaragua. Industry focuses on value addition and sustainability. |
| 10 | Brazil | 🔒 Request a demo to unlock full trade insights | Mainly to Uruguay, Germany, Angola, US. Exports are growing but market is overshadowed by imports. Market is driven by domestic consumption and regional demand. |
In early 2025, the biggest buyers of Indonesian palm oil came from diverse regions, reflecting a highly diversified global trade network with presence across Asia, the Americas, and Africa.
- Singapore – $894.2 million (26.68%)
- India – $410.03 million (12.24%)
- Pakistan – $260.63 million (7.78%)
- United States – $254.81 million (7.60%)
Egypt – $219.86 million (6.56%)
In both traditional and emerging markets, Indonesia’s palm oil products have many unique advantages, including supply stability and price competitiveness.
Businesses looking to thrive in this dynamic landscape need the expertise of reliable and savvy partners. Schedule a free demo to uncover reliable import partners in your target market.
Who are the top 5 biggest palm oil exporter companies in Indonesia in H1 2025?
Based on TradeInt’s latest trade records, the biggest palm oil exporter in Indonesia, based on value, was Ivo Mas Tunggal. At $337.49 million, its figure accounted for more than 10% of the country’s total.
The top 5 world's largest palm oil exporter companies in Indonesia H1 2025:
1. IVO MAS TUNGGAL, export value: 337.49 USD million
Key notes: Subsidiary of Sinar Mas, a major producer/exporter serving domestic and global clients. Focused on plantation management, refining, and sustainability.
2. INTIBENUA PERKASATAMA, export value: 289.25 USD million
Key notes: Leading palm oil refiner/manufacturer under Apical Group. Key player in exports, especially to Asia. Strong sustainability and RSPO compliance record.
3. SARI DUMAI SEJATI, export value: 276.72 USD millioN
Key notes: Refiner and exporter under Apical Group, known for a traceable supply chain and advanced refineries. Key export markets: Europe, Asia. 100% mill traceability.
4. PT SUMBER INDAHPERKASA, export value: 241.06 USD million
Key notes: Sinar Mas subsidiary, large palm oil plantation and production operations across Sumatra, Lampung, and Papua. Established in 1989. Focused on sustainable plantation and RSPO standards.
5. PACIFIC INDOPALM INDUSTRIES, export value: 182.67 USD million
Key notes: Major refinery and exporter based in Dumai (Sumatra). State-of-the-art refining/fractionation. Rapid asset and revenue growth (2023).
| Top 10 biggest palm oil exporting companies in Indonesia (H1 2025) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Company name | Market share (%) | Export value (USD Million) |
General Info & Highlights | Recent News / Press |
| 1 | IVO MAS TUNGGAL | 10.07 | 337.49 | Subsidiary of Sinar Mas, a major producer/exporter serving domestic and global clients. Focused on plantation management, refining, and sustainability. | Credit rating affirmed at A+ (Fitch, 2025). Recent RSPO submissions for HCV compensation and peat mitigation. Part of Sinar Mas's broader sustainable palm oil strategy. |
| 2 | INTIBENUA PERKASATAMA | 8.63 | 289.25 | Leading palm oil refiner/manufacturer under Apical Group. Key player in exports, especially to Asia. Strong sustainability and RSPO compliance record. | RSPO certification maintained; no major public news in 2025. |
| 3 | SARI DUMAI SEJATI | 8.26 | 276.72 | Refiner and exporter under Apical Group, known for a traceable supply chain and advanced refineries. Key export markets: Europe, Asia. 100% mill traceability. | Ongoing sustainability audits; traceability systems externally verified. High export market share in Indonesia's sector. |
| 4 | PT SUMBER INDAHPERKASA | 7.19 | 241.06 | Sinar Mas subsidiary, large palm oil plantation and production operations across Sumatra, Lampung, and Papua. Established in 1989. Focused on sustainable plantation and RSPO standards. | RSPO certificate issued for Lampung mill (2024). No major negative press, significant export volumes to Asia/Europe. |
| 5 | PACIFIC INDOPALM INDUSTRIES | 5.45 | 182.67 | Major refinery and exporter based in Dumai (Sumatra). State-of-the-art refining/fractionation. Rapid asset and revenue growth (2023). | Financial report: 3.3% sales revenue growth and capacity expansion (2023–2024). Upgrades in automation and logistics. |
| 6 | INCASI RAYA | 🔒 Request a demo to unlock full trade insights | 🔒 Request a demo to unlock full trade insights | Leading palm oil plantation and processing company specializing in sustainability and export of crude and refined palm oil. Operates across Sumatra and West Kalimantan. Engaged in biofuel initiatives and RSPO compliance. | Recent focus: expansion of environmentally-friendly plantations and increased traceability in exports (2024–2025). |
| 7 | MULTIMAS NABATI ASAHAN | 🔒 Request a demo to unlock full trade insights | 🔒 Request a demo to unlock full trade insights | Major palm oil processor under Wilmar, operating large refineries in North Sumatra and Riau. Focuses on crude palm oil, processed oils, industrial fats, and exports to Asia, EU, Africa. Part of Wilmar’s global network. | Recent upgrades in refinery efficiency, expansion projects in Asahan (2025), investment in green energy. |
| 8 | MUSIM MAS | 🔒 Request a demo to unlock full trade insights | 🔒 Request a demo to unlock full trade insights | One of Indonesia’s largest palm oil companies with a vertically integrated supply chain from plantation to finished goods. Leading exporter of RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil and derivatives. Operates globally. | 2025: Musim Mas strengthened traceability, launched new sustainability initiatives, and expanded global export footprint. Noted for the broad portfolio in food, cosmetics, and industrial oils. |
| 9 | KUTAI REFINERY NUSANTARA | 🔒 Request a demo to unlock full trade insights | 🔒 Request a demo to unlock full trade insights | A significant palm oil processing/refining company located in East Kalimantan, affiliated with Wilmar’s integrated network. Focused on bulk palm oil exports, oleochemicals, and specialty fats for food manufacturers. | Recent highlights: optimized logistics for export growth, awarded new certifications for quality standards (2025). |
Why does Indonesia export so much palm oil? What are the underlying opportunities and challenges?
Opportunities
Despite some uncertainties, strong global demand continues to offer major growth opportunities for palm oil exporters in Indonesia.
- Resilient demand from sectors like food processing, packaged goods, and personal care supports consistent export volumes, even during economic slowdowns.
- Palm oil remains the highest-yielding vegetable oil, ensuring cost-efficiency and competitiveness.
- Indonesian palm oil production is projected to rise by 3% to 47M tonnes in the 2025/26 season due to favourable weather and increased fertilizer use, according to a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) report.
Current and emerging challenges
While opportunities are strong, exporters must also prepare for several structural challenges.
- Rising domestic consumption may limit exportable volumes
Domestic use is projected to reach 22.6 million tons in 2025/26, including:
- 4 million tons of food
- 9 million tons for industrial use, particularly biodiesel, driven by the B40 blending mandate
- Higher export taxes
To support domestic programs, the government increased the Indonesia palm oil export tax by 10% in 2025. This policy limits competitiveness abroad, especially in emerging markets that are sensitive to price.
As a result, the 2025-26 export forecast is 24 million tons, only slightly up from 23 million in 2024-25, showing signs of stagnation.
- Trade barriers
The US is expected to impose a higher tariff of 19% on Indonesian palm oil, causing significant disruptions to one of Indonesia’s major export markets. In addition, the European Union continues to implement strict sustainability regulations (EUDR), which place pressure on supply chain traceability. These barriers significantly impact palm oil exporters in Indonesia, particularly smaller firms with limited compliance capacity.
- Increasing competition from Malaysia
In early 2025, Indonesia outperformed Malaysia in both value and volume of palm oil exports. However, the latter is investing heavily in its palm oil industry to close the gap with Indonesia in terms of sustainability requirements and value-added products.
- Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) 2.0 Certification, which sets stricter sustainability standards, including greenhouse gas management, high conservation value (HCV) area protection, social responsibility, and supply chain traceability.
- Financial incentives for smallholders: The 2025 budget allocates RM100 million (about $22 million) to incentivize smallholders to replant unproductive and aging oil palm trees, aimed at improving yields and long-term sustainability on approximately 5,900 hectares.
- Malaysia raised the windfall profit levy threshold for crude palm oil (CPO) producers in Peninsular Malaysia to RM3,150/ton and to RM3,650/ton for Sabah and Sarawak in 2025. Export duties on CPO have also been increased progressively based on price thresholds to encourage domestic refinement and production of value-added sustainable products such as biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel.
How to thrive in a challenging landscape with TradeInt
To succeed in a rapidly evolving trade environment, palm oil exporters in Indonesia need more than just operational efficiency. They need strategic intelligence, which TradeInt supplies.
TradeInt provides:
- Updated trade data, including shipment flows and trade values across global markets.
- Market performance insights to help businesses identify the most lucrative and stable export destinations.
- Partner discovery tools to access a vetted network of trusted importers, helping Indonesia palm oil export companies form reliable partnerships.
With the help of TradeInt, exporters can develop smarter sourcing strategies, set competitive pricing, and forecast demand fluctuations. In other words, TradeInt enables palm oil exporters in Indonesia to future-proof their businesses with confidence.
