Lang
China is Malaysia's third-largest importer of palm oil and related products, accounting for 10% of the total value of Malaysian palm oil exports last year.
Malaysia is seeking new trade opportunities in the palm oil sector through a trade mission to China led by Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Chan Foong Hin from 18 to 24 May.
He will be accompanied on the trip by a delegation that includes the ministry's Secretary-General, Yusof Shah Yusof, and the Director-General of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir.
The ministry said in a statement that the delegation will begin its week-long tour in Shanghai, where Chan will take part in celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of MPOB's palm oil research and services institute.
The institute supports research, technology transfer and product development to boost the use of palm oil in China, working closely with local institutions and industries to promote palm oil-based products, including food, oleochemicals and detergents.
The delegation will then travel to the western Chinese cities of Chengdu and Chongqing, where the itinerary includes company site visits, roundtable discussions with government bodies, and meetings with local industry players to expand trade networks and boost the use of palm oil in Chinese cuisine, particularly in dishes such as mala hotpot.
The delegation will also meet with Chongqing government officials to discuss cooperation on trade and investment, particularly in the palm oil sector and other Malaysian commodities.
The ministry noted that "western China represents a growing market with rising demand for sustainable raw materials, and Malaysia is seeking to strengthen its presence in this region."
It added: "This mission reflects Malaysia's commitment to increasing palm oil exports, supporting sustainable growth, and strengthening economic relations with China."
China accounted for 10% of the total value of Malaysian palm oil exports in 2024. In 2023, exports to China rose by 5.11% to reach 10.57 billion ringgit, with Malaysia's share of China's palm oil imports standing at 26.7%.
Last month, Minister of Plantation and Commodities Johari Ghani said Malaysia was prepared to adjust its palm oil export strategy in response to tariff measures imposed by the United States.