The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) concluded a mission to Karachi this week, reaffirming Pakistan as a strategic Asian market for palm oil. The delegation engaged government officials, industry leaders and diplomatic stakeholders to review market dynamics, supply-chain resilience and global edible oil trends that affect local consumers and traders.
Madam Izzana Salleh, Secretary General of CPOPC, addressed the 8th Pakistan Edible Oils Conference (PEOC 2026) and highlighted Pakistan’s significant consumption patterns. She noted Pakistan consumes about 4.3% of global palm oil and imports roughly 3.3 million tonnes annually, a profile that positions the country alongside India and China as a key influencer of price stability and long-term market direction.
The broader Asian demand picture underlined during the mission showed import shares led by India at 18%, China at 11% and Pakistan at 9%, together accounting for nearly 40% of global edible oil imports and surpassing traditional markets such as the EU. These dynamics reinforce how shifts in Asian demand can ripple through global prices and supplies for palm oil.
In Pakistan’s food system palm oil remains central, supplying over 50% of edible oil needs and accounting for roughly 70–75% of total consumption, particularly in ghee and common cooking oil products. As the most affordable choice, palm oil supports household budgets and small and medium enterprises, with SMEs contributing around 40% of GDP and 25% of exports in the national economy.
On sustainability the Secretary General urged a move from mere compliance to active contribution, advocating inclusive approaches that support food security and reliable supply while recognising national standards and helping smallholders. She noted certified sustainable palm oil already exceeds 20% of global supply and warned against new trade frictions that could undermine affordability and stability.
Pakistan’s five-decade partnership with producing countries was cited as an example of balancing sustainability, affordability and market stability through continued trust and transparency. The Karachi mission underscored Asia’s growing role in shaping global demand, and the need for cooperative policies that keep palm oil accessible for consumers while advancing credible sustainability goals.
