Thailand tightens palm oil exports
In Indonesia, Indonesia Business Post reported that Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has announced tighter controls on crude palm oil (CPO) exports and price regulations on bottled palm oil starting today, as rising global oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict drive stronger domestic biodiesel demand.
The ministry emphasized that these measures, including maintaining energy reserves, will not affect farmers, who will continue to receive government protection.
Thailand, the world’s third-largest palm oil producer, is forecast to produce 21.87 million tons of palm oil and 3.94 million tons of crude palm oil in 2026, according to the Office of Agricultural Economics of Thailand.
Under an order published in the Royal Gazette on April 5, 2026, exporters of crude palm oil must now obtain prior government approval from the Internal Trade Department before shipping the commodity abroad, according to the report.
The measure will remain in effect for one year, beginning April 7, the report added.
The permit control order, signed on April 3 by the director-general of the Internal Trade Department under the Commerce Ministry, requires exporters to provide information including the destination country, export volume, and selling price.
Category: Food & Agriculture
