The global demand for palm oil-based products of cosmetics, oleochemicals and biodiesel has been continually increasing. “The palm oil industry players should take advantage of the opportunities amid the global challenges facing Indonesian palm oil products. There is also a possibility that the emerging opportunities can later increase their competitiveness at the global market,” the trade ministry’s Expert Staff in charge of internasional relations, Dandy Satria Iswara said during a public discussion on ‘Opportunities and Challenges Facing Indonesia’s Palm Oil Products at Global Market’ in Tangerang, Banten, on Thursday (10/10/2024).
Attended by Indonesia’s trade representatives from various countries, the public discussion was organized in conjunction with the 39th Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2024 on 9—12 October 2024.
Dandy said that one of the challenges facing the palm oil industries at the global market is the European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR). It is aimed to reduce global deforestation, by requiring all agricultural and forestry products, including palm oil, traded in the EU market do not contribute to deforestation in their countries of origins that should be proven through their traceability.
“In 2022, Indonesia’s palm oil derivative products saw a significant export growth to a number of countries, such as Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Turkey,” said Dandy.
To maintain competitiveness at the global market, the Indonesian government has increased the application of sustainability standard. “The government has issued a new quality standard of sustainability, the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO). This new standard is aimed to ensure that Indonesian palm oil products meet the standard, principles, and criteria of sustainable business of palm oil,” he said.
“We hope by applying this policy, we’re able to tackle the challenges, increase market access to countries that are growingly aware of sustainability, and open new markets for our palm oil and derivative products,” Dandy said, adding that the trade ministry is committed to continually supporting Indonesia’s exports, including palm oil exports.