Malaysia’s palm oil exports to India rose 40.4% to 2.26 million tonnes in the first eight months of 2026, as Kuala Lumpur seeks to expand trade in oleochemicals, specialty fats and other higher-value palm-based products.
PALMOILMAGAZINE, KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia is stepping up efforts to deepen its palm oil trade with India, with Plantation and Commodities Minister YB Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad scheduled to lead an official trade mission to the country from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, 2026.
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Coordinated by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), the mission will visit Bengaluru and Mumbai, bringing Malaysian government officials and industry representatives together with Indian government agencies, companies, industry associations and technology providers.
India has remained Malaysia’s largest palm oil export market for 13 consecutive years. In 2025, Malaysia exported about 2.94 million tonnes of palm oil and palm-based products to India, worth approximately RM14.15 billion, according to MPOC.
The scale of India’s vegetable oil market makes the bilateral relationship strategically important for Malaysia’s palm oil industry. Palm oil accounts for about 51% of India’s vegetable oil imports and around 34% of the country’s total vegetable oil consumption.
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Malaysia’s Palm Oil Exports to India Rise 40.4%
MPOC Chief Executive Officer Belvinder Kaur Sron said India remains a key market in Malaysia’s long-term strategy to expand its palm oil trade.
The two countries have maintained longstanding commercial ties, supported by strong business relationships between Malaysian suppliers and Indian buyers, she said.
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During the first eight months of 2026, Malaysia’s palm oil exports to India rose 40.4% to 2.26 million tonnes. Malaysia’s share of India’s palm oil imports also increased to 39.2% during the period.
The growth reflects continued demand from Indian buyers for Malaysian palm oil, particularly in terms of product quality, supply reliability and sustainability credentials.
“This mission will build on that momentum while identifying new opportunities in oleochemicals, specialty fats and higher-value palm-based applications,” Belvinder said.
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Focus on Downstream Products and Agricultural Technology
In Bengaluru, Minister Noraini is scheduled to meet with the Government of Karnataka as well as major Indian companies involved in food, consumer goods and agricultural technology.
The discussions are expected to cover palm oil supplies, downstream applications, sustainable sourcing and oil palm development, along with the use of digital technology in agriculture and stronger links between Malaysian suppliers and Indian manufacturers.
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The agenda reflects Malaysia’s effort to move beyond conventional CPO and palm oil trade by expanding into higher-value downstream products and applications.
In Mumbai, Noraini is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at Globoil India 2026 on Sept. 30. The oils and fats industry conference is expected to attract around 1,500 participants from across the global value chain.
The Mumbai program will also include meetings with senior executives of the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) and other industry stakeholders.
For Malaysia, the mission comes as India continues to play a central role in the country’s palm oil export strategy, while opportunities in downstream products, specialty fats and sustainable supply chains offer potential for further trade expansion. (P2)
