A look at palm oil in the Arab world

تاريخ النشر:
January 2, 2026
أخر تعديل:
June 12, 2026

‍Founder of the platform, with more than 11 years of experience in marketing within the oils and fats industry.

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Palm oil is one of the most consumed vegetable oils in the world and has a major role in cooking and food industries. This article aims to shed light on the consumption, production and trade of palm oil in the Arab world for the year 2023 by analyzing consumption, export and import data.

Palm oil consumption

Data show a significant disparity in palm oil consumption between Arab countries. The following graph shows the most important consuming countries:

  • Egypt: It topped the list of consuming countries with a consumption volume of 1072.3 thousand metric tons, showing a significant dependence on this oil in the local market.
  • Saudi Arabia: It ranked second with a consumption volume of 646.9 thousand metric tons.
  • Yemen: It recorded a consumption of 261.3 thousand metric tons, which reflects its importance in the diet.
  • Other countries: It included Iraq (186.8 thousand metric tons), the United Arab Emirates (158.7 thousand metric tons), and Sudan (146.5 thousand metric tons).

Palm oil exports

Data show that there is an active export of palm oil from some Arab countries. The following chart shows the most important exporting countries:

  • UAE: Exports topped 599.4 thousand metric tons.
  • Yemen: It ranked second with exports of 298.3 thousand metric tons.
  • Mauritania and Oman: Mauritania recorded exports of 240.5 thousand metric tons, while Oman's exports amounted to 236.1 thousand metric tons.
  • Other countries: It included Iraq (180.8 thousand metric tons), Algeria (152.2 thousand metric tons) and Sudan (140 thousand metric tons).

Analysis of palm oil imports

Arab countries rely heavily on palm oil imports to meet domestic demand. The following chart shows the most important importing countries:

  • Egypt: It topped the list of importing countries with an import volume of 1169 thousand metric tons.
  • Saudi Arabia: It ranked second with 655 thousand metric tons.
  • UAE: 599 thousand metric tons of imports were recorded.
  • Yemen: Its imports amounted to 298 thousand metric tons.
  • Mauritania and Oman: Mauritania recorded imports of 241 thousand metric tons, while Oman's imports amounted to 236 thousand metric tons.
  • Other countries: It included Iraq (181 thousand metric tons), Algeria (152 thousand metric tons), Somalia (151 thousand metric tons), Sudan (140 thousand metric tons), and Tunisia (70 thousand metric tons).

Factors affecting palm oil consumption

  1. Population: Population growth directly affects the increase in demand for palm oil.
  2. Food industries: Palm oil is widely used in the food industry, increasing its economic importance.
  3. International trade: Exports and imports play a crucial role in meeting domestic demand in non-producing countries.

Future expectations

With continued population growth and expansion of food industries, demand for palm oil in the Arab world is expected to increase. Increased efficiency in trade and enhanced strategic inventory can contribute to market stability.

Epilogue

Palm oil reflects its important role in the Arab markets as a major source of energy and food. By improving trade strategies and increasing regional cooperation, Arab countries can achieve greater stability in their food markets.

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