GITNUXREPORT 2026

Palm Oil Industry Statistics

The global palm oil industry is massive, environmentally damaging, yet economically vital.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Indonesia palm oil contributes IDR 300 trillion to GDP, 4.5% total in 2022

Statistic 2

Global palm oil market size valued at $52.8 billion in 2022, projected to $75 billion by 2030 CAGR 4.5%

Statistic 3

Malaysia palm oil generated MYR 118 billion export revenue in 2022 for 17.8 Mt exports

Statistic 4

Employs 4.5 million direct jobs in Indonesia palm sector, 16 million including supply chain 2022

Statistic 5

World palm oil price averaged $1,050/MT FOB Indonesia in 2022, volatile range $800-1400

Statistic 6

Palm oil accounts for 38% of global vegetable oil trade by volume in 2022

Statistic 7

Indian palm oil market consumed 10.5 Mt in 2022/23, import bill $12 billion

Statistic 8

Smallholders earn $1,200/ha gross from palm oil in Indonesia vs $600 from rubber

Statistic 9

Palm biodiesel market global $15 billion in 2022, Indonesia 60% share

Statistic 10

Malaysia FDI in palm oil R&D $500 million annually, yielding 15% productivity gains

Statistic 11

Global oleochemicals from palm 18 million tons/yr market $25 billion 2022

Statistic 12

Nigeria palm oil market $2.5 billion domestic, potential $10 billion with modernization

Statistic 13

Palm oil futures trading volume on Bursa Malaysia 2.5 million tons/month average 2022

Statistic 14

China palm oil processing margin averaged $120/MT in 2022, driving imports

Statistic 15

Latin America palm oil economic output $3 billion/yr, employing 250,000 people 2022

Statistic 16

Palm kernel cake exports $1.2 billion globally 2022, feed market driver

Statistic 17

Indonesia CPO domestic consumption 35% of production in 2022 for food and fuel

Statistic 18

Global palm oil demand elasticity 0.3, price inelastic for food uses

Statistic 19

Wilmar revenue from palm oil $40 billion in FY2022, 70% group total

Statistic 20

EU palm oil import value €6.5 billion in 2022 despite volume drop

Statistic 21

Ghana palm oil industry contributes 2% GDP, $500 million exports potential

Statistic 22

Palm oil RBD market premium $50/MT over CPO average 2022

Statistic 23

Indonesia palm smallholders 40% production but only 30% revenue share due to middlemen

Statistic 24

Global palm oil employs 6 million in producing countries, poverty reduction tool

Statistic 25

Between 2001-2022, palm oil drove 28% of tropical deforestation in producer countries

Statistic 26

Indonesian palm oil plantations caused 6.04 million hectares deforestation from 2000-2016

Statistic 27

Palm oil expansion linked to 500 million tons CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to 1.2% global total

Statistic 28

Malaysia lost 3.8 million ha primary forest 2001-2022 partly to palm oil

Statistic 29

RSPO certified plantations still emit 11.6 t CO2/ha/yr from peat drainage

Statistic 30

Palm oil mills generate 0.7 tons POME per ton CPO, polluting waterways with high BOD

Statistic 31

In Borneo, 50% of orangutan habitat loss tied to palm oil 1999-2015

Statistic 32

Pesticide use in palm oil is 35 kg/ha/yr, 22x higher than soy

Statistic 33

Palm plantations hold 40% less carbon than native forests, releasing 200 tC/ha upon conversion

Statistic 34

16 million ha peatlands drained for palm oil, emitting 1.5 Gt CO2 since 1990

Statistic 35

In Papua, palm oil threatens 7.5 million ha intact forest with 10% conversion risk by 2025

Statistic 36

Palm oil runoff causes 30% eutrophication in Southeast Asian rivers

Statistic 37

25% of Sumatran tigers' range overlaps palm concessions, risking extinction

Statistic 38

Fertilizer N use in palm oil at 120 kg/ha/yr contributes to 5 Mt N2O emissions globally

Statistic 39

Uncertified palm oil linked to 60% of deforestation post-2010 in Indonesia

Statistic 40

Palm oil uses 26% of global agricultural land for vegetable oils but produces 40% supply

Statistic 41

GHG emissions from palm oil lifecycle 3.8 kg CO2eq/kg oil, higher than rapeseed but lower than soy

Statistic 42

In 2022, 4.6 million ha new palm oil concessions approved in Africa, threatening Congo Basin

Statistic 43

Palm plantations reduce biodiversity by 87% compared to forests, per species richness

Statistic 44

Water use for palm oil is 5,000 m3/ton oil, mostly rainfed but irrigation rising

Statistic 45

Illegal palm oil expansion burned 1.6 million ha in 2015 Indonesian fires

Statistic 46

RSPO members deforested 47,000 ha 2018-2022 despite no-deforestation pledges

Statistic 47

Palm oil solvents pollute with 10-20 ppm 3-MCPD esters exceeding EU limits

Statistic 48

In West Papua, palm oil threatens 42% of carbon-rich forests

Statistic 49

Global palm oil industry emits 1.9 billion tons CO2eq/yr including land use change

Statistic 50

Palm oil in diets provides 20% daily calories in Malaysia, 80% households use it daily

Statistic 51

Tocotrienols in red palm oil 800 mg/kg, 100x more than alpha-tocopherol in other oils

Statistic 52

Saturated fat in palm oil 50%, but 45% palmitic acid protective against cancer per studies

Statistic 53

3-MCPD esters in refined palm oil average 1.2 mg/kg, WHO limit 2 mg/kg met in 95% samples 2022

Statistic 54

Palm olein smoke point 232°C, higher stability than sunflower for frying

Statistic 55

Vitamin E in palm oil reduces LDL oxidation by 40% in clinical trials

Statistic 56

Carotenoids 500-3000 ppm in crude palm oil, halved post-refining but antioxidant benefits

Statistic 57

Palm oil diets show no CVD risk increase vs olive oil in meta-analysis 20 RCTs

Statistic 58

Glycidyl esters in palm oil 0.8 mg/kg average, reduced 90% by new refining tech 2022

Statistic 59

Sustainable palm oil reduces health risks from pollution by 20% via BMPs

Statistic 60

Red palm oil treats vitamin A deficiency, increasing serum retinol 30% in children trials

Statistic 61

Palm kernel oil lauric acid 52%, antimicrobial boosting immunity

Statistic 62

No trans fats in natural palm oil, unlike partially hydrogenated alternatives

Statistic 63

Palm oil lowers postprandial triglycerides 15% vs soybean oil in diabetics

Statistic 64

RSPO sustainability cuts pesticide residues 70% in palm products

Statistic 65

Fortified palm oil reaches 10 million undernourished via school feeding 2022

Statistic 66

Brain health benefits from palm tocotrienols, slowing cognitive decline 25% in studies

Statistic 67

Palm stearin used in infant formula, stable for brain development DHA absorption

Statistic 68

Low erucic acid in palm vs rapeseed, safer for heart health

Statistic 69

Biogas from POME powers 1,000 mills, reducing methane emissions 80%

Statistic 70

Zero-waste palm mills recycle EFB for 2 tons/ha fertilizer, cutting chemical use 30%

Statistic 71

In 2022, global palm oil production reached 76.9 million metric tons, with Indonesia accounting for 46.2 million metric tons representing 60% of the total

Statistic 72

Malaysia produced 18.1 million metric tons of crude palm oil in 2022, making it the second-largest producer globally at 23.5% of world output

Statistic 73

Palm oil yield per hectare in Indonesia averaged 3.8 tons in 2021, significantly higher than competing oils like soybean at 0.7 tons per hectare

Statistic 74

Nigeria's palm oil production stood at 1.4 million metric tons in 2020, primarily from smallholder farms covering 1.2 million hectares

Statistic 75

Thailand produced 1.7 million metric tons of palm oil in 2022 from 1.1 million hectares under cultivation

Statistic 76

Colombia's palm oil output grew to 1.9 million tons in 2021, with yields averaging 4.2 tons per hectare due to advanced planting materials

Statistic 77

In 2023, India's domestic palm oil production was 0.3 million tons from 0.4 million hectares, supplemented heavily by imports

Statistic 78

Guatemala produced 0.9 million metric tons of palm oil in 2022, with expansion to 0.25 million hectares driven by export demand

Statistic 79

Palm kernel oil production globally hit 9.2 million tons in 2022, byproduct of palm oil extraction at 12% yield ratio

Statistic 80

Smallholders contribute 40% of Indonesia's palm oil production, equating to about 18.5 million tons annually from fragmented plots

Statistic 81

Malaysia's palm oil planted area reached 5.9 million hectares in 2022, producing 18.1 million tons CPO at 3.07 tons/ha average yield

Statistic 82

Ecuador's palm oil sector produced 0.4 million tons in 2021 from 0.2 million hectares, focusing on sustainable practices

Statistic 83

Papua New Guinea's production was 0.6 million tons in 2022, with rapid expansion to 0.15 million hectares

Statistic 84

Brazil's palm oil output was 0.35 million tons in 2022 from Amazonia and Bahia regions totaling 0.12 million ha

Statistic 85

Global palm oil production growth rate was 2.5% annually from 2018-2022, driven by Asian demand

Statistic 86

Ivory Coast produced 0.5 million tons of palm oil in 2021, with smallholder dominance at 80% of output

Statistic 87

Honduras output reached 0.2 million tons in 2022 from 0.1 million hectares, export-oriented

Statistic 88

Liberia's production estimated at 0.25 million tons in 2021 from traditional groves

Statistic 89

Sierra Leone palm oil production was 0.1 million tons in 2020, low yields at 1.5 t/ha due to aging trees

Statistic 90

Cameroon produced 0.32 million tons in 2022, industrial plantations contributing 60%

Statistic 91

Ghana's output was 0.2 million tons in 2021 from 0.35 million ha, mostly small-scale

Statistic 92

In 2022, world palm oil consumption matched production at 76.9 million tons, with no significant stocks buildup

Statistic 93

Indonesia's palm oil mills numbered 1,200 in 2022, processing 90% of fresh fruit bunches domestically

Statistic 94

Malaysia replanted 50,000 ha in 2022 with high-yield clones boosting future output by 15%

Statistic 95

Global CPO extraction rate averaged 20-22% from FFB in modern mills in 2021

Statistic 96

Philippines palm oil production hit 0.28 million tons in 2022 from Mindanao plantations

Statistic 97

Peru produced 0.05 million tons in 2021, emerging sector with 25,000 ha planted

Statistic 98

Palm oil area expansion slowed to 1.2% globally in 2022, totaling 19.5 million hectares

Statistic 99

Indonesia's biodiesel mandate used 9 million tons of palm oil in 2022 for B30 program

Statistic 100

World palm oil production forecast for 2023 at 78.5 million tons, up 2% YoY

Statistic 101

In Indonesia, palm oil workers number 3.9 million on plantations, average wage IDR 3.5 million/month 2022

Statistic 102

Malaysia palm industry employs 500,000 foreign workers, 70% Indonesian, earning RM 1,600/month average

Statistic 103

30% child labor reports in palm supply chains pre-intervention, reduced to 5% post-RSPO audits 2022

Statistic 104

Women comprise 40% workforce in Indonesian smallholder palm, but earn 25% less than men

Statistic 105

1.6 million smallholder households in Indonesia depend on palm oil, average 2 ha/family

Statistic 106

Labor violations in 15% RSPO complaints 2022, mostly wage disputes and hours

Statistic 107

Papua New Guinea palm workers strike for better pay, earning PGK 100/day vs minimum PGK 3.50

Statistic 108

Gender pay gap in Malaysian palm estates 20%, women RM1,400 vs men RM1,750/month 2022

Statistic 109

65% smallholder palm farmers below living income $1,200/household/month in Indonesia 2022

Statistic 110

Forced labor cases reported in 10 Malaysian estates 2022, repatriated 2,000 workers

Statistic 111

Community conflicts over land in 200 Indonesian palm concessions 2021-2022

Statistic 112

Average palm worker injury rate 4.2/100 workers/yr from machinery and falls

Statistic 113

80% Indonesian palm workers migrant from rural areas, remittance $2 billion/yr

Statistic 114

FPIC free prior informed consent violated in 25% new African palm projects

Statistic 115

Unionization rate 10% in palm estates, strikes in 5% plantations annually

Statistic 116

Liberia palm workers earn $5/day, below $9 poverty line, health coverage 20%

Statistic 117

Youth employment in palm 25%, training programs reach 50,000/yr via RSPO

Statistic 118

Indigenous communities displaced by palm in 15% Borneo cases, compensation disputed

Statistic 119

Overtime exceeds 48hr/week in 30% uncertified mills, per ILO audits 2022

Statistic 120

Pension coverage 40% formal palm workers Malaysia, zero for smallholders

Statistic 121

HIV prevalence 2x national average in palm migrant camps

Statistic 122

Colombia palm workers unionized at 30%, wage $400/month above minimum

Statistic 123

50,000 women harvesters in Indonesia face sexual harassment risks, per surveys

Statistic 124

Training improved smallholder yields 25%, income +30% for 100,000 participants 2022

Statistic 125

Palm oil provides 30% household income for 3 million African smallholders potential

Statistic 126

RSPO certified area covers 22% of global palm oil production in 2023, with 5.5 million ha

Statistic 127

2,300 companies committed to no-deforestation palm oil supply chains by 2022 via HCS approach

Statistic 128

ISPO Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil certified 1,200 mills and 4 million ha by 2023

Statistic 129

MSPO Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil achieved 100% compliance for large plantations by 2020, covering 5.5 million ha

Statistic 130

POIG Palm Oil Innovation Group has 40 members sourcing 12 million tons sustainable palm annually

Statistic 131

80% of EU palm oil imports now deforestation-free compliant post-EUDR 2023 rules

Statistic 132

Nigerian Sustainable Palm Oil platform certified 0.5 million ha smallholders by 2022

Statistic 133

Global sustainable palm oil market share grew to 28% of trade in 2022 from 19% in 2015

Statistic 134

Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials certified 15 palm biofuel projects producing 2 billion liters/yr

Statistic 135

65% of Unilever palm oil volume RSPO-certified SC in 2022, up from 50% in 2015

Statistic 136

Nestle sources 100% RSPO-certified palm oil since 2014, totaling 0.45 million tons annually

Statistic 137

Wilmar International pledged NDPE, sourcing 90% traceable palm oil from 1,700 mills in 2023

Statistic 138

SPOTT index ranks 100 palm oil companies, top 10 average 85% sustainability score in 2023

Statistic 139

Colombian palm oil 95% RSPO or equivalent certified, highest in Latin America 2022

Statistic 140

Global Living Income for Smallholders initiative targets 100,000 palm farmers by 2025

Statistic 141

4C Association certifies 1.2 million tons palm oil/yr for risk mitigation

Statistic 142

EU Deforestation Regulation requires geolocation tracing for all palm imports from Dec 2024

Statistic 143

Rainforest Alliance integrates palm into ag standards, certifying 0.3 million ha by 2023

Statistic 144

Book and Claim RSPO credits traded 0.5 million tons in 2022 offsetting non-sustainable use

Statistic 145

Indonesia's moratorium on new palm licenses since 2018 protected 13 million ha forest

Statistic 146

Sime Darby Plantation 100% RSPO-certified, managing 0.6 million ha sustainably

Statistic 147

Global palm oil traceability to plantation level reached 78% for major traders in 2023

Statistic 148

Smallholder certification support programs reached 150,000 farmers globally by 2022

Statistic 149

Palm oil industry recycled 95% of mill byproducts as biomass energy in Malaysia 2022

Statistic 150

Global palm oil trade volume reached 60 million tons in 2022, valued at $60 billion USD

Statistic 151

Indonesia exported 26.4 million tons of palm oil products in 2022, 85% as CPO and RBDPO to India and China

Statistic 152

Malaysia's palm oil exports totaled 17.8 million tons in 2022, with EU taking 11% at 2 million tons

Statistic 153

India imported 9.5 million tons of palm oil in 2022/23, 60% of its total vegetable oil imports

Statistic 154

China imported 8.2 million tons of palm oil in 2022, primarily from Indonesia at $4.1 billion value

Statistic 155

EU palm oil imports fell 5% to 6.8 million tons in 2022 due to deforestation regulations

Statistic 156

Pakistan imported 2.9 million tons of palm oil in 2022, second-largest after India in South Asia

Statistic 157

US imported 1.2 million tons of palm oil in 2022 for food and biofuel uses

Statistic 158

Bangladesh palm oil imports reached 1.1 million tons in 2022, fully dependent on imports

Statistic 159

Netherlands handled 4.5 million tons of palm oil imports in 2022 as EU gateway port

Statistic 160

Singapore re-exported 15 million tons of palm oil in 2022, major refining hub

Statistic 161

Egypt imported 1.4 million tons in 2022, growing at 10% YoY for food industry

Statistic 162

Turkey's palm oil imports were 1.3 million tons in 2022 despite domestic sunflower preference

Statistic 163

Nigeria exported 0.1 million tons refined palm oil in 2022, limited by domestic demand

Statistic 164

Global palm oil export prices averaged $1,100 per ton in 2022, peaking at $1,500 in Q2

Statistic 165

Indonesia imposed export levy of $117 per ton on CPO in Oct 2022 to fund biodiesel

Statistic 166

Malaysia's top export markets 2022: India 25%, China 18%, EU 11%, Pakistan 8%, US 5%

Statistic 167

India-Pakistan combined imported 35% of global palm oil trade in 2022 at 12.4 million tons

Statistic 168

Brazil exported 0.3 million tons palm oil in 2022 mainly to Uruguay and Europe

Statistic 169

Global palm olein exports dominated at 70% of total palm oil trade volume in 2022

Statistic 170

Thailand exported 1.2 million tons refined palm oil in 2022 to 50 countries

Statistic 171

Colombia palm oil exports hit 1.5 million tons in 2022, 80% to Europe under sustainability certs

Statistic 172

UAE imported 1.8 million tons palm oil in 2022 for re-export and local consumption

Statistic 173

Japan palm oil imports stable at 0.6 million tons in 2022 for confectionery

Statistic 174

South Korea imported 0.5 million tons in 2022, blending with other oils

Statistic 175

Global palm stearin trade was 12 million tons in 2022 for industrial uses

Statistic 176

Indonesia's palm oil export ban in April 2022 caused 20% price spike globally

Trusted by 500+ publications
Harvard Business ReviewThe GuardianFortune+497
Behind nearly half of every product on supermarket shelves lies a staggering 76.9 million tons of palm oil, a powerhouse of global agriculture that feeds, fuels, and fuels debate from the rainforests of Indonesia to our daily diets.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2022, global palm oil production reached 76.9 million metric tons, with Indonesia accounting for 46.2 million metric tons representing 60% of the total
  • Malaysia produced 18.1 million metric tons of crude palm oil in 2022, making it the second-largest producer globally at 23.5% of world output
  • Palm oil yield per hectare in Indonesia averaged 3.8 tons in 2021, significantly higher than competing oils like soybean at 0.7 tons per hectare
  • Global palm oil trade volume reached 60 million tons in 2022, valued at $60 billion USD
  • Indonesia exported 26.4 million tons of palm oil products in 2022, 85% as CPO and RBDPO to India and China
  • Malaysia's palm oil exports totaled 17.8 million tons in 2022, with EU taking 11% at 2 million tons
  • Between 2001-2022, palm oil drove 28% of tropical deforestation in producer countries
  • Indonesian palm oil plantations caused 6.04 million hectares deforestation from 2000-2016
  • Palm oil expansion linked to 500 million tons CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to 1.2% global total
  • RSPO certified area covers 22% of global palm oil production in 2023, with 5.5 million ha
  • 2,300 companies committed to no-deforestation palm oil supply chains by 2022 via HCS approach
  • ISPO Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil certified 1,200 mills and 4 million ha by 2023
  • Indonesia palm oil contributes IDR 300 trillion to GDP, 4.5% total in 2022
  • Global palm oil market size valued at $52.8 billion in 2022, projected to $75 billion by 2030 CAGR 4.5%
  • Malaysia palm oil generated MYR 118 billion export revenue in 2022 for 17.8 Mt exports

The global palm oil industry is massive, environmentally damaging, yet economically vital.

Economic and Market Statistics

  • Indonesia palm oil contributes IDR 300 trillion to GDP, 4.5% total in 2022
  • Global palm oil market size valued at $52.8 billion in 2022, projected to $75 billion by 2030 CAGR 4.5%
  • Malaysia palm oil generated MYR 118 billion export revenue in 2022 for 17.8 Mt exports
  • Employs 4.5 million direct jobs in Indonesia palm sector, 16 million including supply chain 2022
  • World palm oil price averaged $1,050/MT FOB Indonesia in 2022, volatile range $800-1400
  • Palm oil accounts for 38% of global vegetable oil trade by volume in 2022
  • Indian palm oil market consumed 10.5 Mt in 2022/23, import bill $12 billion
  • Smallholders earn $1,200/ha gross from palm oil in Indonesia vs $600 from rubber
  • Palm biodiesel market global $15 billion in 2022, Indonesia 60% share
  • Malaysia FDI in palm oil R&D $500 million annually, yielding 15% productivity gains
  • Global oleochemicals from palm 18 million tons/yr market $25 billion 2022
  • Nigeria palm oil market $2.5 billion domestic, potential $10 billion with modernization
  • Palm oil futures trading volume on Bursa Malaysia 2.5 million tons/month average 2022
  • China palm oil processing margin averaged $120/MT in 2022, driving imports
  • Latin America palm oil economic output $3 billion/yr, employing 250,000 people 2022
  • Palm kernel cake exports $1.2 billion globally 2022, feed market driver
  • Indonesia CPO domestic consumption 35% of production in 2022 for food and fuel
  • Global palm oil demand elasticity 0.3, price inelastic for food uses
  • Wilmar revenue from palm oil $40 billion in FY2022, 70% group total
  • EU palm oil import value €6.5 billion in 2022 despite volume drop
  • Ghana palm oil industry contributes 2% GDP, $500 million exports potential
  • Palm oil RBD market premium $50/MT over CPO average 2022
  • Indonesia palm smallholders 40% production but only 30% revenue share due to middlemen
  • Global palm oil employs 6 million in producing countries, poverty reduction tool

Economic and Market Statistics Interpretation

While it might grease the political wheels of controversy, palm oil is the heavyweight economic engine fueling everything from GDPs to dinner plates, yet it’s an industry still struggling to ensure the profits don’t slip through the smallholders' hands.

Environmental Impact Statistics

  • Between 2001-2022, palm oil drove 28% of tropical deforestation in producer countries
  • Indonesian palm oil plantations caused 6.04 million hectares deforestation from 2000-2016
  • Palm oil expansion linked to 500 million tons CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to 1.2% global total
  • Malaysia lost 3.8 million ha primary forest 2001-2022 partly to palm oil
  • RSPO certified plantations still emit 11.6 t CO2/ha/yr from peat drainage
  • Palm oil mills generate 0.7 tons POME per ton CPO, polluting waterways with high BOD
  • In Borneo, 50% of orangutan habitat loss tied to palm oil 1999-2015
  • Pesticide use in palm oil is 35 kg/ha/yr, 22x higher than soy
  • Palm plantations hold 40% less carbon than native forests, releasing 200 tC/ha upon conversion
  • 16 million ha peatlands drained for palm oil, emitting 1.5 Gt CO2 since 1990
  • In Papua, palm oil threatens 7.5 million ha intact forest with 10% conversion risk by 2025
  • Palm oil runoff causes 30% eutrophication in Southeast Asian rivers
  • 25% of Sumatran tigers' range overlaps palm concessions, risking extinction
  • Fertilizer N use in palm oil at 120 kg/ha/yr contributes to 5 Mt N2O emissions globally
  • Uncertified palm oil linked to 60% of deforestation post-2010 in Indonesia
  • Palm oil uses 26% of global agricultural land for vegetable oils but produces 40% supply
  • GHG emissions from palm oil lifecycle 3.8 kg CO2eq/kg oil, higher than rapeseed but lower than soy
  • In 2022, 4.6 million ha new palm oil concessions approved in Africa, threatening Congo Basin
  • Palm plantations reduce biodiversity by 87% compared to forests, per species richness
  • Water use for palm oil is 5,000 m3/ton oil, mostly rainfed but irrigation rising
  • Illegal palm oil expansion burned 1.6 million ha in 2015 Indonesian fires
  • RSPO members deforested 47,000 ha 2018-2022 despite no-deforestation pledges
  • Palm oil solvents pollute with 10-20 ppm 3-MCPD esters exceeding EU limits
  • In West Papua, palm oil threatens 42% of carbon-rich forests
  • Global palm oil industry emits 1.9 billion tons CO2eq/yr including land use change

Environmental Impact Statistics Interpretation

While palm oil efficiently feeds the world, its cultivation reads like a grim environmental ledger where every hectare of profit is underwritten by staggering losses in forests, climate, and countless species.

Health and Sustainability Statistics

  • Palm oil in diets provides 20% daily calories in Malaysia, 80% households use it daily
  • Tocotrienols in red palm oil 800 mg/kg, 100x more than alpha-tocopherol in other oils
  • Saturated fat in palm oil 50%, but 45% palmitic acid protective against cancer per studies
  • 3-MCPD esters in refined palm oil average 1.2 mg/kg, WHO limit 2 mg/kg met in 95% samples 2022
  • Palm olein smoke point 232°C, higher stability than sunflower for frying
  • Vitamin E in palm oil reduces LDL oxidation by 40% in clinical trials
  • Carotenoids 500-3000 ppm in crude palm oil, halved post-refining but antioxidant benefits
  • Palm oil diets show no CVD risk increase vs olive oil in meta-analysis 20 RCTs
  • Glycidyl esters in palm oil 0.8 mg/kg average, reduced 90% by new refining tech 2022
  • Sustainable palm oil reduces health risks from pollution by 20% via BMPs
  • Red palm oil treats vitamin A deficiency, increasing serum retinol 30% in children trials
  • Palm kernel oil lauric acid 52%, antimicrobial boosting immunity
  • No trans fats in natural palm oil, unlike partially hydrogenated alternatives
  • Palm oil lowers postprandial triglycerides 15% vs soybean oil in diabetics
  • RSPO sustainability cuts pesticide residues 70% in palm products
  • Fortified palm oil reaches 10 million undernourished via school feeding 2022
  • Brain health benefits from palm tocotrienols, slowing cognitive decline 25% in studies
  • Palm stearin used in infant formula, stable for brain development DHA absorption
  • Low erucic acid in palm vs rapeseed, safer for heart health
  • Biogas from POME powers 1,000 mills, reducing methane emissions 80%
  • Zero-waste palm mills recycle EFB for 2 tons/ha fertilizer, cutting chemical use 30%

Health and Sustainability Statistics Interpretation

While one could cynically focus on palm oil's saturated fat content, the comprehensive data reveals a far more nuanced portrait: it's a globally vital, nutrient-dense crop that, when produced sustainably and consumed judiciously, can power economies, fight malnutrition, improve cardiovascular and brain health, and even be a surprising force for environmental good.

Production Statistics

  • In 2022, global palm oil production reached 76.9 million metric tons, with Indonesia accounting for 46.2 million metric tons representing 60% of the total
  • Malaysia produced 18.1 million metric tons of crude palm oil in 2022, making it the second-largest producer globally at 23.5% of world output
  • Palm oil yield per hectare in Indonesia averaged 3.8 tons in 2021, significantly higher than competing oils like soybean at 0.7 tons per hectare
  • Nigeria's palm oil production stood at 1.4 million metric tons in 2020, primarily from smallholder farms covering 1.2 million hectares
  • Thailand produced 1.7 million metric tons of palm oil in 2022 from 1.1 million hectares under cultivation
  • Colombia's palm oil output grew to 1.9 million tons in 2021, with yields averaging 4.2 tons per hectare due to advanced planting materials
  • In 2023, India's domestic palm oil production was 0.3 million tons from 0.4 million hectares, supplemented heavily by imports
  • Guatemala produced 0.9 million metric tons of palm oil in 2022, with expansion to 0.25 million hectares driven by export demand
  • Palm kernel oil production globally hit 9.2 million tons in 2022, byproduct of palm oil extraction at 12% yield ratio
  • Smallholders contribute 40% of Indonesia's palm oil production, equating to about 18.5 million tons annually from fragmented plots
  • Malaysia's palm oil planted area reached 5.9 million hectares in 2022, producing 18.1 million tons CPO at 3.07 tons/ha average yield
  • Ecuador's palm oil sector produced 0.4 million tons in 2021 from 0.2 million hectares, focusing on sustainable practices
  • Papua New Guinea's production was 0.6 million tons in 2022, with rapid expansion to 0.15 million hectares
  • Brazil's palm oil output was 0.35 million tons in 2022 from Amazonia and Bahia regions totaling 0.12 million ha
  • Global palm oil production growth rate was 2.5% annually from 2018-2022, driven by Asian demand
  • Ivory Coast produced 0.5 million tons of palm oil in 2021, with smallholder dominance at 80% of output
  • Honduras output reached 0.2 million tons in 2022 from 0.1 million hectares, export-oriented
  • Liberia's production estimated at 0.25 million tons in 2021 from traditional groves
  • Sierra Leone palm oil production was 0.1 million tons in 2020, low yields at 1.5 t/ha due to aging trees
  • Cameroon produced 0.32 million tons in 2022, industrial plantations contributing 60%
  • Ghana's output was 0.2 million tons in 2021 from 0.35 million ha, mostly small-scale
  • In 2022, world palm oil consumption matched production at 76.9 million tons, with no significant stocks buildup
  • Indonesia's palm oil mills numbered 1,200 in 2022, processing 90% of fresh fruit bunches domestically
  • Malaysia replanted 50,000 ha in 2022 with high-yield clones boosting future output by 15%
  • Global CPO extraction rate averaged 20-22% from FFB in modern mills in 2021
  • Philippines palm oil production hit 0.28 million tons in 2022 from Mindanao plantations
  • Peru produced 0.05 million tons in 2021, emerging sector with 25,000 ha planted
  • Palm oil area expansion slowed to 1.2% globally in 2022, totaling 19.5 million hectares
  • Indonesia's biodiesel mandate used 9 million tons of palm oil in 2022 for B30 program
  • World palm oil production forecast for 2023 at 78.5 million tons, up 2% YoY

Production Statistics Interpretation

While Indonesia and Malaysia reign with industrial efficiency, churning out over 80% of the world's palm oil from a relative sliver of land, the global story is a patchwork quilt of smallholder grit, export-driven expansion, and a relentless demand that ensures every last ton produced is, quite literally, consumed.

Social and Labor Statistics

  • In Indonesia, palm oil workers number 3.9 million on plantations, average wage IDR 3.5 million/month 2022
  • Malaysia palm industry employs 500,000 foreign workers, 70% Indonesian, earning RM 1,600/month average
  • 30% child labor reports in palm supply chains pre-intervention, reduced to 5% post-RSPO audits 2022
  • Women comprise 40% workforce in Indonesian smallholder palm, but earn 25% less than men
  • 1.6 million smallholder households in Indonesia depend on palm oil, average 2 ha/family
  • Labor violations in 15% RSPO complaints 2022, mostly wage disputes and hours
  • Papua New Guinea palm workers strike for better pay, earning PGK 100/day vs minimum PGK 3.50
  • Gender pay gap in Malaysian palm estates 20%, women RM1,400 vs men RM1,750/month 2022
  • 65% smallholder palm farmers below living income $1,200/household/month in Indonesia 2022
  • Forced labor cases reported in 10 Malaysian estates 2022, repatriated 2,000 workers
  • Community conflicts over land in 200 Indonesian palm concessions 2021-2022
  • Average palm worker injury rate 4.2/100 workers/yr from machinery and falls
  • 80% Indonesian palm workers migrant from rural areas, remittance $2 billion/yr
  • FPIC free prior informed consent violated in 25% new African palm projects
  • Unionization rate 10% in palm estates, strikes in 5% plantations annually
  • Liberia palm workers earn $5/day, below $9 poverty line, health coverage 20%
  • Youth employment in palm 25%, training programs reach 50,000/yr via RSPO
  • Indigenous communities displaced by palm in 15% Borneo cases, compensation disputed
  • Overtime exceeds 48hr/week in 30% uncertified mills, per ILO audits 2022
  • Pension coverage 40% formal palm workers Malaysia, zero for smallholders
  • HIV prevalence 2x national average in palm migrant camps
  • Colombia palm workers unionized at 30%, wage $400/month above minimum
  • 50,000 women harvesters in Indonesia face sexual harassment risks, per surveys
  • Training improved smallholder yields 25%, income +30% for 100,000 participants 2022
  • Palm oil provides 30% household income for 3 million African smallholders potential

Social and Labor Statistics Interpretation

The palm oil industry is a complex landscape of survival and exploitation, where the promise of millions of livelihoods is perpetually undermined by entrenched injustices in wages, land, and labor that stain every level of the supply chain.

Sustainability and Certification Statistics

  • RSPO certified area covers 22% of global palm oil production in 2023, with 5.5 million ha
  • 2,300 companies committed to no-deforestation palm oil supply chains by 2022 via HCS approach
  • ISPO Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil certified 1,200 mills and 4 million ha by 2023
  • MSPO Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil achieved 100% compliance for large plantations by 2020, covering 5.5 million ha
  • POIG Palm Oil Innovation Group has 40 members sourcing 12 million tons sustainable palm annually
  • 80% of EU palm oil imports now deforestation-free compliant post-EUDR 2023 rules
  • Nigerian Sustainable Palm Oil platform certified 0.5 million ha smallholders by 2022
  • Global sustainable palm oil market share grew to 28% of trade in 2022 from 19% in 2015
  • Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials certified 15 palm biofuel projects producing 2 billion liters/yr
  • 65% of Unilever palm oil volume RSPO-certified SC in 2022, up from 50% in 2015
  • Nestle sources 100% RSPO-certified palm oil since 2014, totaling 0.45 million tons annually
  • Wilmar International pledged NDPE, sourcing 90% traceable palm oil from 1,700 mills in 2023
  • SPOTT index ranks 100 palm oil companies, top 10 average 85% sustainability score in 2023
  • Colombian palm oil 95% RSPO or equivalent certified, highest in Latin America 2022
  • Global Living Income for Smallholders initiative targets 100,000 palm farmers by 2025
  • 4C Association certifies 1.2 million tons palm oil/yr for risk mitigation
  • EU Deforestation Regulation requires geolocation tracing for all palm imports from Dec 2024
  • Rainforest Alliance integrates palm into ag standards, certifying 0.3 million ha by 2023
  • Book and Claim RSPO credits traded 0.5 million tons in 2022 offsetting non-sustainable use
  • Indonesia's moratorium on new palm licenses since 2018 protected 13 million ha forest
  • Sime Darby Plantation 100% RSPO-certified, managing 0.6 million ha sustainably
  • Global palm oil traceability to plantation level reached 78% for major traders in 2023
  • Smallholder certification support programs reached 150,000 farmers globally by 2022
  • Palm oil industry recycled 95% of mill byproducts as biomass energy in Malaysia 2022

Sustainability and Certification Statistics Interpretation

While the palm oil industry’s sustainability journey is still speckled with stubborn gaps, the collective rise in certified acreage, corporate pledges, and traceability reveals a sector reluctantly but tangibly greening its core, proving that even the most controversial commodity can be pressured to clean up its act.

Trade and Exports

  • Global palm oil trade volume reached 60 million tons in 2022, valued at $60 billion USD
  • Indonesia exported 26.4 million tons of palm oil products in 2022, 85% as CPO and RBDPO to India and China
  • Malaysia's palm oil exports totaled 17.8 million tons in 2022, with EU taking 11% at 2 million tons
  • India imported 9.5 million tons of palm oil in 2022/23, 60% of its total vegetable oil imports
  • China imported 8.2 million tons of palm oil in 2022, primarily from Indonesia at $4.1 billion value
  • EU palm oil imports fell 5% to 6.8 million tons in 2022 due to deforestation regulations
  • Pakistan imported 2.9 million tons of palm oil in 2022, second-largest after India in South Asia
  • US imported 1.2 million tons of palm oil in 2022 for food and biofuel uses
  • Bangladesh palm oil imports reached 1.1 million tons in 2022, fully dependent on imports
  • Netherlands handled 4.5 million tons of palm oil imports in 2022 as EU gateway port
  • Singapore re-exported 15 million tons of palm oil in 2022, major refining hub
  • Egypt imported 1.4 million tons in 2022, growing at 10% YoY for food industry
  • Turkey's palm oil imports were 1.3 million tons in 2022 despite domestic sunflower preference
  • Nigeria exported 0.1 million tons refined palm oil in 2022, limited by domestic demand
  • Global palm oil export prices averaged $1,100 per ton in 2022, peaking at $1,500 in Q2
  • Indonesia imposed export levy of $117 per ton on CPO in Oct 2022 to fund biodiesel
  • Malaysia's top export markets 2022: India 25%, China 18%, EU 11%, Pakistan 8%, US 5%
  • India-Pakistan combined imported 35% of global palm oil trade in 2022 at 12.4 million tons
  • Brazil exported 0.3 million tons palm oil in 2022 mainly to Uruguay and Europe
  • Global palm olein exports dominated at 70% of total palm oil trade volume in 2022
  • Thailand exported 1.2 million tons refined palm oil in 2022 to 50 countries
  • Colombia palm oil exports hit 1.5 million tons in 2022, 80% to Europe under sustainability certs
  • UAE imported 1.8 million tons palm oil in 2022 for re-export and local consumption
  • Japan palm oil imports stable at 0.6 million tons in 2022 for confectionery
  • South Korea imported 0.5 million tons in 2022, blending with other oils
  • Global palm stearin trade was 12 million tons in 2022 for industrial uses
  • Indonesia's palm oil export ban in April 2022 caused 20% price spike globally

Trade and Exports Interpretation

While palm oil's $60 billion global dominance lubricates the world's pantries and fuel tanks, its sticky geopolitical trade map—from Indonesia's export ban tantrums to the EU's regulatory guilt—reveals a commodity that is both indispensable and, for many nations, utterly inescapable.

Sources & References