InfoSAWIT, SHANGHAI – China is reinforcing its position as one of the world's most strategic markets for sustainable palm oil, with Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) consumption reaching approximately 550,000 tonnes as the country accelerates its green development agenda under the 15th Five-Year Plan.
The latest developments were highlighted during the 10th RSPO China Forum, held in Shanghai on July 3, marking more than a decade of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)'s market transformation efforts in China.
RSPO Chief Executive Officer Joseph D'Cruz said China has entered a crucial stage in its transition toward a greener economy. As one of the world's largest palm oil consumers, the country's procurement decisions increasingly influence global sustainable supply chains.
He said RSPO will continue strengthening engagement with industry stakeholders, integrating sustainability into sourcing and investment decisions, expanding strategic partnerships, and supporting members in responding to evolving regulations and market expectations.
China's policy landscape has also become increasingly supportive of sustainable commodities.
The country's 15th Five-Year Plan adopts the theme "Beautiful China", while the newly enacted Ecological Environment Code strengthens environmental protection legislation. Authorities have also introduced the Green Finance-Supported Project Catalogue, expanding green financing opportunities across the entire palm oil value chain—from production and trade to downstream consumption.
During the forum, Xu Yingming, Director of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under China's Ministry of Commerce, emphasized that green trade cooperation has become an important instrument for addressing climate change while enhancing China's long-term economic competitiveness.
RSPO reported substantial progress in China over the past decade.
Membership has now exceeded 540 organizations, supported by 510 certified supply chain facilities.
In 2024, China's consumption of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil reached around 550,000 tonnes, representing nearly 12% of the country's total palm oil consumption—a milestone reflecting growing market acceptance despite China's enormous consumption volume.
The organization has also broadened partnerships beyond the palm oil industry. During RT2025, RSPO signed a memorandum of understanding with Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo to strengthen biodiversity conservation initiatives while raising public awareness about sustainable palm oil.
Lifeng Fang, Head of China Market Transformation at RSPO, said China's leadership in responsible sourcing and sustainable consumption will play an increasingly influential role in shaping the future of certified palm oil markets and strengthening global supply chain resilience.
At the same forum, Elaine Chan, Head of Climate Change and Reporting (Group Sustainability) at SD Guthrie, highlighted sustainable palm oil's contribution to China's ambition of reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030.
She presented the company's "Beyond Zero" framework, which integrates climate action, biodiversity conservation, regenerative agriculture, and supply chain transparency to accelerate the transition toward a low-carbon economy.
Through the 10th RSPO China Forum, industry participants, investors, and sustainability stakeholders are expected to deepen collaboration and develop practical solutions to accelerate sustainable palm oil transformation while supporting China's long-term green development agenda amid evolving global market dynamics. (T2)
Source: RSPO
