Malaysia Eyes Deeper Palm Oil Trade Ties With China In Strategic Trade Mission
Malaysia is set to strengthen its foothold in the Chinese palm oil market through a high-level trade mission to China led by Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Chan Foong Hin.
The visit, from May 18 to 24, aims to unlock new commercial opportunities and expand Malaysia's palm oil exports, particularly in emerging western Chinese markets such as Chengdu and Chongqing, the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities announced.
Joining Chan on the mission are Secretary General Yusran Shah Yusof and Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Director General Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir. The delegation will begin its journey in Shanghai, where Chan will officiate the 20th anniversary of the MPOB's Palm Oil Research and Technical Service Institute (PORTSIM), a vital hub for innovation and market development in China.
PORTSIM collaborates with Chinese institutions to promote palm-based products across sectors, including food, oleochemicals, and household items. The institute plays a critical role in encouraging palm oil use in Chinese cuisine, particularly in popular regional dishes like mala hotpot.
The delegation's itinerary includes company visits, roundtable discussions with state-owned enterprises and meetings with regional government officials, aimed at broadening trade and investment cooperation.
'Western China represents a growing market for sustainable raw materials,' the ministry said. 'This mission underlines Malaysia's commitment to boosting palm oil exports, supporting green growth, and reinforcing economic ties with China.'
China is Malaysia's third-largest palm oil importer, accounting for 10% of Malaysia's total palm oil export value in 2024. Last year, Malaysia's palm oil exports to China grew 5.11% to RM10.57 billion, capturing a 26.7% market share of China's total palm oil imports.
The strategic push into China comes amid shifting global trade dynamics, with Malaysia recently signalling plans to recalibrate its palm oil export strategies following new tariff measures imposed by the US. Related
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