The palm oil industry plays a significant role in the global economy, with a wide range of applications in various sectors. Understanding the statistics behind this thriving industry can provide valuable insights into production, consumption, trade dynamics, and sustainability trends. In this blog post, we will delve into key palm oil industry statistics to shed light on its importance and impact on a global scale.
The Latest Palm Oil Industry Statistics Explained
The global palm oil market was valued at $65.73 billion in 2019, according to Grand View Research.
The statistic pertains to the valuation of the global palm oil market in 2019, indicating that the market was worth $65.73 billion. This value represents the total estimated financial worth of all palm oil products traded and sold worldwide during that year. The source, Grand View Research, is a reputable market research and consulting firm that likely conducted extensive industry analysis to arrive at this valuation. This statistic is significant as it provides insight into the economic scale and importance of the palm oil industry on a global level, highlighting its substantial contribution to the overall market and economy.
Over 3 million hectares of Indonesian and Malaysian land have been converted into oil palm plantations, according to World Rainforest Movement.
The statistic highlights the extensive conversion of land in Indonesia and Malaysia into oil palm plantations, reaching over 3 million hectares. This significant land transformation signifies the expansion of the palm oil industry in these countries, which are two of the world’s largest producers of palm oil. The conversion of natural ecosystems into monoculture plantations has raised concerns about environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and displacement of local communities. It underscores the ongoing debate between economic development fueled by palm oil production and the need to preserve critical forest ecosystems and address sustainability concerns in the palm oil supply chain.
Palm oil production is linked to the loss of 100,000 orangutans between 1999-2015, as reported by the Smithsonian.
The statistic stating that palm oil production is linked to the loss of 100,000 orangutans between 1999-2015 emphasizes a disturbing connection between the expansion of palm oil plantations and the decline of orangutan populations. The aggressive deforestation and land conversion practices associated with palm oil production in regions like Southeast Asia have resulted in the destruction of crucial orangutan habitats. As a result, many orangutans have been displaced, injured, or killed during this period. This statistic sheds light on the devastating impact that human activities, such as deforestation for resource exploitation, can have on wildlife populations, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable and wildlife-friendly practices in the palm oil industry to prevent further biodiversity loss.
About 19.5 million tonnes of palm oil were produced in 1995 globally, while in 2018, it was about 73.5 million tonnes, according to World Bank data.
The statistic highlights a substantial increase in global palm oil production over a 23-year period, from approximately 19.5 million tonnes in 1995 to about 73.5 million tonnes in 2018, as reported by the World Bank. This represents a significant growth rate in palm oil production, reflecting the rising demand for this commodity in various industries such as food, cosmetics, and biofuels. The expansion of palm oil production has implications for environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation, as it has been associated with deforestation, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions. Policymakers, stakeholders, and consumers need to consider the environmental and social impacts of this increasing production trend and work towards sustainable practices in the palm oil industry.
The expansion of palm oil plantations is responsible for about 2.3% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to Mongabay.
The statistic that the expansion of palm oil plantations is responsible for about 2.3% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions highlights the significant environmental impact of this industry. Palm oil production involves large-scale deforestation, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia and parts of Africa, leading to the release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The clearing of forests for palm oil plantations not only contributes to climate change but also results in biodiversity loss, habitat destruction for endangered species, and disruption of ecosystems. This statistic underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices and increased regulations within the palm oil industry to address its environmental repercussions and combat climate change.
The global palm oil market is expected to reach USD 92.84 billion by 2021, according to Transparency Market Research.
The statistic indicates that the global palm oil market is projected to achieve a total value of USD 92.84 billion by the year 2021, as estimated by Transparency Market Research. This suggests significant growth in the demand and consumption of palm oil products worldwide. Various factors such as increasing utilization in food products, biofuels, and cosmetics industries, as well as its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and high yield, are likely contributing to this projected market value. The statistic highlights the immense economic impact and importance of the palm oil industry on a global scale, signaling opportunities for market players and stakeholders operating within this sector.
The palm oil industry has indirect links to the displacement of local and indigenous communities, according to Amnesty International.
The statistic implies that the palm oil industry, while not directly causing displacement of local and indigenous communities, is connected to such displacement through indirect means. This could be due to various factors such as land grabbing, deforestation, and labor exploitation that are associated with palm oil production. Amnesty International’s statement highlights the complex web of social and environmental consequences associated with the palm oil industry, shedding light on the broader implications of the industry’s operations beyond just its economic impact. By drawing attention to these indirect links, the statistic underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the social justice issues intertwined with the production and consumption of palm oil.
Approximately 50% of products in supermarkets contains palm oil, as reported by the Rainforest Foundation.
The statistic that approximately 50% of products in supermarkets contain palm oil, as reported by the Rainforest Foundation, suggests a widespread presence of palm oil in various consumer goods. Palm oil is a versatile and commonly used ingredient in many processed foods, personal care products, and household items due to its unique properties. However, the production of palm oil has raised concerns about environmental sustainability and impacts on rainforest ecosystems, leading to calls for more sustainable sourcing practices. The statistic highlights the importance of consumer awareness and sustainable choices in supporting ethical and environmentally conscious products in supermarket shelves.
In 2020, it is estimated that 73.23 million metric tons of palm oil were consumed globally, according to Statista.
The statistic indicates that in the year 2020, a total of 73.23 million metric tons of palm oil was consumed worldwide, as reported by Statista. This figure illustrates the significant global demand for palm oil, which is widely used in various industries such as food processing, cosmetics, and biofuels. The consumption of palm oil has been steadily increasing over the years due to its versatile applications and relatively low cost compared to other vegetable oils. The statistic underscores the importance of palm oil in the global economy and highlights the need for sustainable practices in its production to address environmental concerns related to deforestation and biodiversity loss.
The palm oil industry is set to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2019 to 2025 according to ResearchAndMarkets.
The statistic that the palm oil industry is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2019 to 2025 according to ResearchAndMarkets indicates that the industry is expected to experience steady and consistent growth over this period. The CAGR represents the annual growth rate that smooths out fluctuations in year-to-year growth and provides a more accurate picture of the overall growth trend. A CAGR of 5.2% suggests that the palm oil industry is anticipated to expand substantially, with increasing demand, production, and market opportunities throughout the specified timeframe. This growth rate can be influenced by various factors such as economic conditions, consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and global market trends, all of which are expected to drive the expansion of the palm oil industry in the coming years.
Only about 21% of palm oil is currently certified as sustainable, according to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
The statistic indicates that only a relatively small proportion, specifically 21%, of the total global production of palm oil is currently certified as sustainable by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). This suggests that the majority of palm oil produced worldwide does not adhere to the sustainability standards set by the RSPO, which include criteria related to environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic viability. The low percentage of certified sustainable palm oil highlights the ongoing challenges within the industry in terms of improving sustainability practices and addressing issues such as deforestation, habitat destruction, and exploitation of workers. Efforts to increase the certification of sustainable palm oil play a critical role in promoting better practices and mitigating the negative impacts associated with conventional palm oil production.
Palm oil yields 4 to 10 times more oil per acre than other oilseed crops, as reported by Rainforest Alliance.
The statistic that palm oil yields 4 to 10 times more oil per acre than other oilseed crops, as reported by Rainforest Alliance, suggests that palm oil production is significantly more efficient in terms of oil output compared to other oilseed crops such as soybean, rapeseed, or sunflower. This high yield can be attributed to the palm tree’s ability to continuously produce fruit throughout the year, allowing for a more consistent harvest. However, this efficiency also raises concerns about the environmental impact of palm oil cultivation, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. Therefore, while palm oil may offer high yields, it is important to consider the sustainability and ethical implications of its production.
Palm oil and palm kernel oil were jointly the largest contributor, accounting for 48 million tonnes or 30% of the total output to the global consumption in 2019, based on data from the Malaysian Palm Oil Council.
The statistic provided indicates that in 2019, palm oil and palm kernel oil collectively constituted the largest source of vegetable oils worldwide, contributing 48 million tonnes, which accounted for 30% of the total global oil output consumed. This data is derived from the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, reflecting the significant role that these two oils play in meeting global demand for vegetable oils. The dominance of palm oil and palm kernel oil in the market highlights their economic and nutritional importance, as well as the dependency of industries and consumers on these oils for various applications such as food products, cosmetics, and biofuels.
The EU is the second largest consumer of palm oil, consuming around 15% of the global production, as reported by European Parliament.
The statistic indicates that the European Union (EU) is a significant consumer of palm oil, ranking as the second largest consumer globally and accounting for approximately 15% of the total global production. This suggests that palm oil is an important commodity within the EU market and is likely used in a wide range of products such as food, cosmetics, and biofuels. The high consumption level also implies potential environmental and social implications, given the controversial aspects surrounding palm oil production, such as deforestation, habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and labor issues. As such, the EU’s consumption of palm oil is an important statistic to consider in discussions regarding sustainability, conservation, and responsible sourcing practices within the global palm oil industry.
Palm oil import volumes into the European Union are projected to decrease by 1.2 million tonnes between current marketing year 2019/2020 and 2029/30, according to the EU Agricultural Outlook report.
The statistic indicates that the volume of palm oil imported into the European Union is expected to decline by 1.2 million tonnes over the period from the current marketing year of 2019/2020 to 2029/30, as projected in the EU Agricultural Outlook report. This reduction in import volumes suggests a potential shift in the EU’s consumption patterns, potentially driven by factors such as changing consumer preferences, sustainability concerns, regulatory changes, or market dynamics. The projected decrease in palm oil imports may have implications for the palm oil industry, trade dynamics, and environmental sustainability efforts within the EU and global palm oil market.
Palm oil is found in approximately 50% of common supermarket products, as reported by Greenpeace.
The statistic that palm oil is found in approximately 50% of common supermarket products, as reported by Greenpeace, indicates the widespread use of palm oil in various consumer goods. This statistic suggests that palm oil is a highly prevalent ingredient in a wide range of products found in supermarkets, including food items, cosmetics, and household products. The high percentage of products containing palm oil highlights the extensive impact of palm oil production on the environment and its presence in everyday consumer goods. This statistic underscores the need for increased awareness around sustainable sourcing of palm oil and the potential environmental and social implications of its widespread use in commercial products.
Palm oil production has increased more than 15-fold over the past four decades, according to United Nations Environment Programme.
The statistic that palm oil production has increased more than 15-fold over the past four decades, as reported by the United Nations Environment Programme, highlights the exponential growth and significant expansion of the palm oil industry. This remarkable increase indicates a sharp rise in the global demand for palm oil, which is a versatile and widely used commodity in various industries such as food, cosmetics, and biofuels. The rapid expansion of palm oil production has raised concerns about its environmental impact, including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions. This statistic underscores the need for sustainable practices and regulations to manage the growth of the palm oil industry while mitigating its negative effects on the environment and ecosystems.
Deforestation for palm oil production is responsible for over one-tenth of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, according to Yale Environment360.
The statistic that deforestation for palm oil production is responsible for over one-tenth of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions underscores the significant environmental impact of this industry. Palm oil is a key ingredient in many consumer products, leading to vast areas of forests being cleared to make way for palm plantations. The clearing of these forests releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing substantially to global greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating climate change. This statistic highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices in the palm oil industry to mitigate its environmental footprint and protect vital ecosystems.
References
0. – https://www.databank.worldbank.org
1. – https://www.rspo.org
2. – https://www.www.europarl.europa.eu
3. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com
4. – https://www.www.greenpeace.org.uk
5. – https://www.www.transparencymarketresearch.com
6. – https://www.www.statista.com
7. – https://www.www.researchandmarkets.com
8. – https://www.www.si.edu
9. – https://www.www.unep.org
10. – https://www.www.ran.org
11. – https://www.ec.europa.eu
12. – https://www.e360.yale.edu
13. – https://www.news.mongabay.com
14. – https://www.www.mpoc.org.my
15. – https://www.www.amnesty.org
16. – https://www.www.rainforest-alliance.org
17. – https://www.wrm.org.uy
