Palm nuts and kernels market in the Philippines

Earlier Report Observations

Production of palm nuts and kernels in the Philippines remained relatively stable between 2018 and 2020, with annual output hovering around 500 тыс. т. The market volume saw a modest contraction to 493.1 тыс. т in 2020. A clear turning point occurred in 2021, when production jumped by 6% to 522.9 тыс. т, initiating a period of sustained growth.

This upward trend continued through 2023, with production reaching 540.6 тыс. т. The growth was primarily driven by the physical expansion of the industry's raw material base. The area planted with oil palm increased significantly, from about 53 000 hectares in 2022 to approximately 63 000 hectares in 2023, directly increasing the supply of nuts and kernels. Concurrent government initiatives to develop the sector in Mindanao, supported by the launch of a new palm oil refinery in 2022, provided crucial infrastructure and policy backing to translate expanded cultivation into higher recorded output.

Production palm nuts and kernels in the Philippines

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

The Philippines was one of the world's leading producers of palm nuts and kernels from 2017 to 2020, ranking 22nd globally by production volume.

Top producers of palm nuts and kernels, 2017-2020

World map of production of palm nuts and kernels, 2017-2020

Palm nuts and kernels production in the Philippines declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 493.1 thousand tons, down 1.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, production grew by 3.8%, averaging a 1.3% annual increase. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 500.5 thousand tons, which also saw the largest year-over-year growth of 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports palm nuts and kernels from the Philippines

Exports in kind, t

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind were entirely concentrated on Malaysia, which accounted for 100.0% of total shipments.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Philippines in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Malaysia was the sole buyer of palm nuts and kernels from the Philippines, representing 100.0% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the Philippines in value, 2017-2020

Imports palm nuts and kernels to the Philippines

Imports in kind, t

Palm nuts and kernels imports into the Philippines rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 7.2 tons, a dramatic increase of 1 197.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2018–2020 period, imports surged by 10 098.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 367.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, palm nuts and kernels imports to the Philippines were sourced exclusively from Costa Rica, which made up 100.0% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed significant volatility during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 7.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, palm nuts and kernels deliveries to the Philippines totaled 21.2 thousand US dollars, an 81.9% drop from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 117.2 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 693.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Philippines in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, imports in value terms were highly concentrated, with Costa Rica and Malaysia together accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the Philippines in value, 2017-2020