InfoSAWIT, KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s palm oil inventories increased in April 2026 as stronger crude palm oil (CPO) production offset weaker export performance during the month.

Latest data released by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) showed total palm oil stocks rose 1.71% month-on-month to 2.30 million tons in April 2026, up from 2.27 million tons in March.

MPOB reported that CPO inventories climbed 0.54% to 1.26 million tons, while processed palm oil stocks increased 3.16% to 1.04 million tons compared to the previous month.

The increase in stock levels came alongside a sharp rebound in Malaysia’s palm oil production. MPOB data showed CPO production surged 18.37% in April to 1.63 million tons, an increase of 252,952 tons from March’s 1.38 million tons.

Palm kernel production also rose 19.92% to 390,124 tons, while crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) production increased 18.59% to 192,268 tons. Output of palm kernel cake expanded 21.54% to 214,403 tons during the same period.

According to The Edge Malaysia, despite stronger production, Malaysia’s palm oil exports weakened in April. MPOB recorded a 14.34% decline in palm oil exports to 1.30 million tons from 1.52 million tons in March 2026.

However, several downstream palm products posted notable export gains. Palm kernel oil exports jumped 39.65% to 110,711 tons, while palm kernel cake exports rose to 266,186 tons. Oleochemical exports also increased 23.83% to 310,510 tons.

The sharpest growth was recorded in biodiesel exports, which surged 193.04% to 37,825 tons compared to just 12,908 tons in March.

Meanwhile, MPOB reported no CPO imports during April 2026, although palm kernel oil imports rose 29.13% to 11,103 tons.

Market observers believe the increase in Malaysian palm oil production and inventories could influence global palm oil prices in the coming weeks, particularly amid slower exports and shifting international demand dynamics. (T2)