Jakarta. 2025 has been a sweet year for the Indonesian palm oil industry as the exports of this highly coveted commodity soared in double digits.

Indonesia’s annual export of crude palm oil (CPO) and derivatives totaled $24.42 billion last year, data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) showed. Shipments had risen 21.83% from 2024 figures of $20.05 billion. Indonesia shipped 23.61 million tons of palm oil overseas in 2025. The export volume jumped 9.09% compared to 2024 shipments of 21.64 million tons.

BPS did not disclose the top export market destinations for Indonesian palm oil. But as expected, palm oil has been driving Jakarta’s surplus with India as the latter heavily relies on foreign supplies. Goods categorized as vegetable oils and animal fats (such as palm oil) shipped to India contributed $3.56 billion in surplus last year. The same group of goods sold to the Philippines accounted for $990 million in surplus.

In December 2025 alone, palm oil exports neared $2.8 billion in value and around 2.75 million tons from a volume standpoint.

“The export volume had soared 102.23% month-to-month, and up 66.80% year-on-year [yoy],” BPS deputy Ateng Hartono told a press briefing on Monday.

Amidst the growing popularity, the average global palm oil price had been under pressure, down 17.59% yoy to $980.51 per metric ton last December. Its price also dropped 0.29% month-to-month.

The burgeoning palm oil exports helped Indonesia keep its positive trade balance streak for the 68th consecutive month since May 2020. Earlier that day, Prabowo had told governors and regents how greatly sought-after Indonesian palm oil was. He even listed the diverse use cases of palm oil, ranging from soap to baked goods.

“Wherever I go, be it Egypt, Pakistan, Russia, or Belarus, they [their leaders] have been asking for our palm oil. This shows how [palm oil] is a very strategic commodity because it has tens of derivatives, even architectural paint,” Prabowo said in the televised speech.

He went on to defend Indonesia's decision to restrict exports of palm oil residue and used cooking oil to not only safeguard biodiesel supplies, but also boost aviation fuel output. Southeast Asia's biggest economy has mandated 40% palm oil-based biodiesel blend in a policy better known as the B40. 

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