Product Offerings
Products:
Palm Oil: Malaysian Palm Oil
Palm Oil Products: Palm-based products
The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) Shanghai Representative Office serves as a strategic international extension of MPOC, established to promote and position Malaysian palm oil in the Greater China region. As a key part of Malaysia's agricultural export strategy, this office plays a vital role in trade facilitation, market intelligence, industry education, and regulatory liaison between Malaysian producers and Chinese stakeholders.
Organization Overview
The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) is a government-linked agency under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities of Malaysia. Its primary mission is to enhance the global presence and image of Malaysian palm oil, particularly focusing on market expansion, sustainability advocacy, and countering misinformation related to palm oil consumption and production.
The Shanghai Representative Office is one of MPOC’s several international branches, with others located in Brussels, Istanbul, Cairo, and Mumbai. The Shanghai office specifically targets trade growth, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory clarity in China, one of the largest importers of Malaysian palm oil.
Core Objectives and Functions
- Market Promotion: Enhancing the image and perception of Malaysian palm oil in China through seminars, campaigns, and participation in trade exhibitions.
- Industry Liaison: Connecting Chinese importers, refiners, and food manufacturers with certified Malaysian palm oil producers.
- Regulatory Monitoring: Observing and reporting on China’s changing food safety, import, and labeling regulations that impact palm oil trade.
- Sustainability Advocacy: Promoting Malaysia’s sustainability credentials such as MSPO (Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil) and traceability programs.
Product Focus
The Shanghai office does not sell or trade products directly but promotes the following key Malaysian palm oil offerings:
- Crude Palm Oil (CPO)
- Refined, Bleached and Deodorized Palm Oil (RBD PO)
- Palm Olein and Palm Stearin
- Palm Kernel Oil and derivatives
- Palm-based specialty fats for bakery, confectionery, and frying applications
These products are used across the food, oleochemical, and cosmetic industries in China.
Market Impact and Trade Data
China is a major importer of Malaysian palm oil, and the Shanghai office has been instrumental in expanding Malaysia’s market share:
- Malaysia exported over 2.5 million metric tons of palm oil to China in 2022, a 21% increase from 2021, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).
- As of 2023, China accounts for approximately 12% of total Malaysian palm oil exports, making it one of Malaysia’s top five export destinations.
- The Shanghai office's promotional campaigns contributed to an estimated RM 6.3 billion in palm oil trade value with China in 2022 alone.
Target Stakeholders
The MPOC Shanghai office actively engages with:
- Chinese food processing companies
- Edible oil refiners and traders
- Regulatory bodies and industry associations
- Research institutions focused on fats and oils
- Retail brands seeking sustainable fat solutions
Capabilities and Activities
- Hosting B2B forums and technical seminars
- Organizing trade delegations and market visits
- Publishing market research, pricing trends, and trade analysis
- Supporting halal and MSPO-certified suppliers to access Chinese markets
- Bridging communication between government regulators and trade stakeholders
Certifications and Sustainability Initiatives
MPOC plays a major advocacy role in promoting:
- MSPO (Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification Scheme)
- RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) recognition
- Zero Deforestation and NDPE (No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation) commitments
These initiatives are actively communicated to Chinese stakeholders to build confidence in the environmental and social responsibility of Malaysian palm oil.
Achievements and Recognition
- Helped secure continued tariff exemptions under China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) for Malaysian palm oil.
- Facilitated over 15 industry events and forums in China between 2021 and 2023, promoting sustainable palm oil usage.
- Played a key role in educating Chinese manufacturers about the health benefits and versatility of palm oil, resulting in increased adoption in packaged foods and bakery sectors.
Through its Shanghai Representative Office, MPOC continues to serve as a vital bridge between Malaysian palm oil producers and the Chinese market, aligning trade ambitions with sustainability and quality assurance.