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On larger than expected production loss related Indonesia’s palm oil export ban policy, Post revises down Indonesia palm oil production to 44.7 million ton (MMT) for 2022/23 and updates 2021/22 production to 43.2 MMT. Soybean imports for 2022/23 are forecast at 2.6 MMT on continued demand from tofu and tempeh producers.

China’s marketing year (MY) 22/23 soybean production is forecast to reach a near-record 19 million metric tons (MMT) on higher yields. Post maintains forecasted MY 22/23 soybean imports at 96.5 MMT on higher demand for soybean meal (SBM) for swine and poultry and vegetable oil demand for food sector use. Import growth is forecast to be partially constrained by higher domestic soybean production, ongoing sales of state reserve soybeans, and ongoing uncertainty regarding People’s Republic of China (PRC) COVID restrictions.

Post adjusts the Marketing Year (MY) 2021/22 palm oil production forecast down to 18.2 million metric tons (MT), due to ongoing labor shortages. The MY2021/22 palm oil export estimate is revised to 16 million MT, a drop of 500,000 MT due to the estimated drop in production and resumption of Indonesian palm oil exports. Palm oil prices continue to fall as key buyers, India and China, prefer soybean oil to palm oil.

China’s slowing economy and COVID-related restrictions continue to weaken demand for oilseeds for feed and food use. Soybean imports for marketing year (MY) 21/22 and MY 22/23 are revised downward to 92 million metric tons (MMT) and 96.5 MMT, respectively, on weak demand for vegetable oil in the food service sector and soybean meal (SBM) in the swine and poultry sectors.

Palm oil exports for 2021/22 are revised down to 25.5 million metric tons (MMT) on restrictive export policies and weaker global demand. The soybean subsidy program launched in April 2022 unexpectedly caused several importers to slowdown purchases. Feed mill demand for soybean meal continues to drive imports from South American origins.