Malaysia may cut palm oil export tax amid global supply crisis

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia is considering cutting its export tax on palm oil and plans to slow implementation of its biodiesel mandate to help meet global demand amid an edible oil shortage, its commodities minister told Reuters on Tuesday (May 10).

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said in an interview her ministry has already proposed the cut to the finance ministry, which has set up a committee to look into the details.

Malaysia, the world's second-largest palm oil producer, could cut the tax to 4 per cent or 6 per cent from the current 8 per cent, she said.

The cut would likely be temporary and a decision could be made as early as June, Ms Zuraida said.

"During these times of crisis, probably we can relax a little bit so that more palm oil can be exported," she said.

Malaysia is looking to boost its share of the edible oil market after Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupted sunflower oil shipments and Indonesia's move to ban palm oil exports further tightened global supplies.

Palm oil - used in everything from cakes to detergent - accounts for nearly 60 per cent of global vegetable oil shipments and the absence of top producer Indonesia has rattled the market.

ALSO READ: Indonesia bans palm oil exports as global food inflation spikes

Ms Zuraida told Reuters importing countries have asked Malaysia to reduce its export taxes, and some - like India, Iran and Bangladesh - are proposing barter trade.

Malaysia will also slow the implementation of its B30 biodiesel mandate, which requires a portion of the nation's biodiesel to be mixed with 30 per cent of palm oil, to prioritise supply to food industries, she said.