Palm oil, derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree, stands as the world’s most widely consumed vegetable oil. Used in everything from cooking to cosmetics, its versatility and low cost make it a staple in many economies. India, in particular, plays a dominant role on the global stage as the largest importer of palm oil, sourcing millions of metric tonnes every year to meet its rising domestic consumption. In this article, we will explore the significance of palm oil imports in India, highlight leading importers, delve into detailed palm oil import data, and provide insights on HS codes and sourcing strategies.

Why Is Palm Oil Crucial for India?

India’s growing population and evolving food habits have triggered an increasing demand for edible oils. Palm oil, thanks to its affordability and multipurpose utility, has emerged as the most consumed edible oil in the country. Sourced from the reddish pulp of oil palm fruit, it is a key ingredient in a vast range of consumer products, including processed foods (instant noodles, chocolates, ice cream), personal care products (soaps, shampoos), and even biofuels.

Nutrition experts from Harvard consider palm oil to be healthier than hydrogenated fats and possibly better than butter, though vegetable oils like olive and canola remain preferable. Nevertheless, palm oil's cost-effectiveness and shelf stability make it a go-to choice for India’s lower and middle-income groups.

Rising Trends in Palm Oil Imports in India

According to recent palm oil import data, India imported approximately 10 million metric tonnes during the 2022–2023 oil year. This marked an increase from the previous year, reflecting India’s continued reliance on external markets for edible oil supply.

India is not just a leading importer of palm oil—it’s also the largest consumer of vegetable oils globally. In 2022, India imported around $11.1 billion worth of palm oil, mainly from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore. These figures highlight India’s strategic role in the global palm oil trade network.

Adding to this, Liberia trade data shows that emerging African countries are exploring palm oil exports, further diversifying the global sourcing landscape.

A Closer Look at 2023–2024 Palm Oil Import Data

Between March 2023 and February 2024, India recorded over 10,770 shipments of palm oil, serving 223 Indian buyers through 644 international suppliers. In February 2024 alone, 554 shipments arrived, although there was a 24% year-over-year decline, suggesting fluctuating market demand or pricing adjustments.

Despite this temporary dip, India continues to outpace other nations such as Pakistan and Ukraine in palm oil imports. With over 82,000 shipments, India remains the top importer of palm oil worldwide.

This growing dependency is well-documented in India import data, which consistently ranks palm oil among the top 10 imported commodities by value.

Who Are the Top Palm Oil Importers in India?

Numerous large corporations and regional firms dominate the Indian palm oil landscape. These companies are instrumental in maintaining a steady supply chain across retail and industrial sectors. Some of the top palm oil importers in India include:

• Adani Wilmar Ltd
• Cargill India Pvt. Ltd
• Bunge India Pvt. Ltd
• Marico Ltd
• Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd
• Gokul Agro Resources Ltd
• Trariti Import Export Pvt Ltd
• K.S. Oils Ltd
• Banshi Udyog
• Dwarikesh Sugar Industries Ltd

These importers manage substantial volumes and work closely with exporters in Southeast Asia to maintain supply consistency, pricing advantage, and product quality.

If you're searching for verified contacts or need updated info on palm oil importers in India, you can explore specialized platforms like Eximpedia, which offer live data insights and supplier intelligence.

HS Codes for Palm Oil: A Guide for Accurate Trade Classification

Understanding the Harmonized System (HS) codes is essential for tracking palm oil imports in India accurately. The following are the key HS codes used to classify different forms of palm oil:

• 1511 – Covers palm oil and its fractions
• 15111000 – Crude palm oil
• 15119010 – Refined bleached deodorized (RBD) palm oil
• 15119020 – RBD Palmolein
• 15119030 – RBD Palm Stearin

Using correct HS codes ensures compliance with international trade regulations and helps businesses avoid unnecessary delays and fines during customs clearance.

How to Find Buyers and Suppliers of Palm Oil Globally

Sourcing the right trading partners is critical to succeeding in the palm oil business. Whether you're a buyer in India or a supplier from Malaysia, leveraging data intelligence platforms can provide you with accurate palm oil import data, including supplier profiles, shipping histories, and volume analysis.

Platforms like Eximpedia offer real-time access to India import data and global trading patterns, including insights from Liberia trade data, allowing businesses to uncover opportunities in newer markets. With coverage across 130+ countries, such tools empower companies to build efficient and profitable supply chains.

Final Thoughts: Navigating the Indian Palm Oil Market

India's demand for palm oil continues to grow due to its economic viability and utility across industries. However, businesses must remain agile to adapt to global market shifts, environmental regulations, and consumer health awareness. With the right sourcing strategies, market insights, and reliable trade data, importers can navigate the dynamic palm oil landscape effectively.

To stay competitive, palm oil importers in India must focus on negotiating favorable contracts, maintaining quality standards, and monitoring palm oil import data closely. If you're seeking deeper insights into India's palm oil trade or want a verified list of top importers and HS codes, visit Eximpedia.app and explore their data-rich dashboard for global trade analysis.