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Edible oil trade refers to the international buying and selling of vegetable oils such as palm, soybean, sunflower, and olive oil used for cooking and food processing. It involves producers, exporters, importers, wholesalers, and food manufacturers. As a seller, you can choose various sales channels that can bring profit to your business. Retail stores, supermarkets, and online B2B marketplaces are some of the most used channels when it comes to selling cooking oils.
The demand for cooking oil is getting higher and higher due to changing consumer preferences and expanding food industries. The cooking oil market forecast opens doors to business opportunities for both buyers and sellers. In this blog, we are going to explore more about the cooking oil market share, its segmentations, types, and region-wise demands to get an idea of the market.
The cooking oil market refers to the global trade and consumption of edible oils used in household cooking, food processing, and restaurant industries. Major oils include palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and canola oil.
The Edible Oils Market is projected to expand from USD 187.34 billion in 2025 to USD 197.01 billion in 2026, advancing at a CAGR of 5.42%. By 2032, the market size is anticipated to reach USD 271.15 billion. The above-mentioned global edible oil market size reflects the interplay of nutrition trends, innovative processing, and global trade pressures defining industry boundaries.
There are various types of cooking oils that you can buy and sell at wholesale prices and that are high in demand as well, which will be beneficial for your import and export business. There are various types of cooking oils available in the market, like;
Palm oil is one of the most widely used cooking oils, especially in processed foods, snacks, and restaurants. Profit margins can be strong due to its low production cost and high yield per hectare. Countries like India, China, and Indonesia drive massive demand. Buyers choose palm oil for its versatility, affordability, and long shelf life.
Soybean oil is popular for frying and processed food applications, with stable demand in the U.S., Brazil, and China. Profit margins are moderate but steady, as it is one of the most traded oils globally. Purchasers prefer it for its neutral taste, availability, and use in biodiesel production, making it a dual-purpose commodity.
Known for its light flavor and health-friendly profile, sunflower oil enjoys rising demand in Europe, the Middle East, and India. Margins are attractive, particularly for refined and organic varieties. Buyers seek it for household cooking, packaged foods, and its reputation as a healthier alternative to other oils, which boosts its premium positioning.
Olive oil commands high profit margins due to its premium pricing and association with health benefits. Demand is especially strong in Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece) and North America. Consumers purchase it for Mediterranean diets, skincare, and gourmet cooking. Its premium status makes it a luxury segment within the edible oil market.
Coconut oil has gained popularity in both the food and personal care industries. Margins are strong, particularly in virgin and organic variants. High demand comes from the U.S., Europe, and the Philippines. Buyers are drawn to its multipurpose use in cooking, health products, and cosmetics, which enhances its profitability in niche markets.
Canola oil is widely consumed in North America and Europe, valued for its heart-health benefits and neutral taste. Profit margins are stable but higher for cold-pressed and organic versions. Its demand is driven by households, foodservice industries, and packaged food manufacturers. Buyers prefer it for being a healthier substitute to traditional cooking oils.
If you are in search of edible oil imports by country, we have curated the list of countries that have a high demand for cooking oil, and selling to these countries can be a profitable venture for your business.
Under the list of cooking oil import companies, we have Ruchi Soya Industries, followed by Emani Agro Tech, which belongs to India, and hence India is one of the biggest importers of cooking oil. India will need to import 16.7 million tonnes of cooking oils in 2025-26. Its import heavily relies on countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. Soybean and sunflower oils are the major types of oil imported by India.
Wilmar International, COFCO, and Musim Mas are the leading cooking oil companies that import such products to China. Soybean and palm oil are high-demand oils in China, as these cooking oils are being used in massive food processing industries across China, as the domestic production of these edible oils is limited, which is why the country relies on other countries. Argentina, Brazil, and the United States are the core trade partners of China when it comes to sourcing these oils in bulk.
The European Union is a major hub for edible oil imports, with strong demand for sunflower and olive oils. Companies like MBF Group import sunflower oil from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Russia for both cooking and biofuel production, while Mediterranean nations such as Spain, Italy, and Greece supply olive oil for retail and gourmet markets. EU buyers focus on both affordable bulk oils and premium varieties for food processing, household use, and health-conscious consumers.
Although the U.S. is a leading producer of soybean oil, it remains a top importer of olive and specialty oils. Importers such as Pompeian, Inc. bring olive oil from Spain, Italy, and Tunisia for retail, gourmet, and health-oriented markets. Specialty organic and extra virgin oils are particularly popular among U.S. households and food service providers. Demand is driven by the Mediterranean diet trend and consumer preference for healthier cooking alternatives.
Countries across the Middle East and Africa rely heavily on edible oil imports due to limited domestic production. Groups like Savola in Saudi Arabia and Bidco Africa in Kenya import palm oil from Malaysia and Indonesia, while Egypt, Turkey, and Nigeria import sunflower and soybean oils from Ukraine, Argentina, and Brazil. These oils are widely used in households, restaurants, and food manufacturing, with rising demand linked to population growth and urban dietary trends.
Let’s take a look at the cooking oil exports by country. The following countries are major exporters of various edible cooking oils.
Indonesia takes the lead in cooking oil exports worldwide, accounting for nearly 48–50% of global palm oil exports in value. Indonesia’s exports of crude palm oil (CPO) and its derivatives reached $2.29 billion (Rp38.6 trillion) in January 2026, a substantial increase from the US$1.44 billion recorded during the same period last year. Leading companies include Sinar Mas Agro Resources & Technology (SMART), Wilmar International, Golden Agri-Resources, Astra Agro Lestari, First Resources, and others. These companies export mostly crude palm oil (CPO), refined palm oil, palm kernel derivatives, and various palm-based cooking oil fractions. Major destination markets are India, China, Pakistan, the USA, Bangladesh, etc.
Malaysia is the world's second-largest exporter of palm oil. In 2024, Malaysian palm oil exports (crude + refined) earned in the ballpark of US$13-14 billion (Malaysia’s share of global palm oil export value was about 32.8%). Malaysia's palm oil exports rose 11.44% in January 2026 to 1.48 million tonnes from 1.33 million tonnes in December 2025. Major Malaysian premium cooking oil exporters include Wilmar International, Sime Darby Plantations, Felda Global Ventures (FGV), Kuala Lumpur Kepong (KLK), and IOI Corporation, among others. These companies export crude palm oil, palm kernel oil, and refined palm olein, which are used for cooking, margarine production, food processing, and also for oleochemicals. Key export markets for Malaysian palm oil include India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and the US.
Argentina is among the top exporters of soybean oil and sunflower oil. In March 2025, Argentina exported about 485,000 tons of soybean oil, exceeding expectations, with main buyers being India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. For sunflower oil in the same period, Argentina exported 119,000 tons (a 17% increase year-on-year), with India receiving 47,000 tons of that. Key Argentine exporter companies/processors include its large oilseed crusher/export firms (though company names are less globally public than in Malaysia/Indonesia). They handle seed crushing and oil refining, packaging, and then export mainly to South Asia.
Ukraine is a leading exporter of sunflower oil, which is one of its signature export products. According to Volza data, Ukraine leads the list in sunflower oil exports, with companies like Kernel Holding being major players. The kernel produces 8% of the world’s sunflower oil and supplies over sixty countries. Also, Ukraine exports soybean oil – for example, through major soybean processors like Astarta and MHP, which export significant quantities.
Brazil is a large exporter of soybean oil and other vegetable oils. It ranks among the top 3 countries for “high-oleic oils” exports. Its export volumes are growing, driven by demand in Asia and other continents. Companies such as Bunge Brasil and Cargill Brasil are big in oilseed crushing and oil refining/exporting. Brazil exports soybean oil mainly, often in crude and refined forms, to markets in Asia, Latin America, and increasingly to countries that need cooking oils and oil for industrial food uses.
Businesses in the cooking oil industries buy bulk quantities through several sourcing channels depending on their supply needs and scale of operations. Large food manufacturers, restaurants, and distributors usually purchase directly from edible oil producers, international traders, or wholesale suppliers.
Many companies also rely on online B2B marketplaces where they can compare prices, product specifications, and supplier certifications before placing bulk orders. These platforms help buyers connect with verified suppliers worldwide, negotiate deals, and ensure consistent supply for food processing, retail distribution, and food service industries.
The cooking oil market faces significant challenges, including price volatility caused by global supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material costs. Environmental concerns, particularly deforestation linked to palm oil production, have raised sustainability issues. Additionally, trade restrictions and tariffs in key regions impact import-export flows, creating uncertainties for both producers and buyers worldwide.
The future of the cooking oil market looks promising with innovations focusing on health, sustainability, and efficiency. Manufacturers are increasingly developing fortified oils enriched with vitamins and low-cholesterol variants to meet the rising demand for healthier options.
At the same time, sustainability and ethical sourcing are becoming essential, especially in palm oil production, where eco-friendly practices and certified sourcing are gaining momentum.
Technology is also reshaping the industry, with advanced refining techniques improving oil quality, shelf life, and safety. These trends collectively indicate that the cooking oil sector will continue evolving to meet consumer and environmental expectations globally.
The global cooking oil market continues to grow due to rising food consumption, expanding restaurant industries, and increasing demand for healthier edible oils. Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Argentina, and Ukraine play a major role in supplying global markets, while nations like India and China remain key importers. With growing focus on sustainability, health-oriented oils, and efficient supply chains, the edible oil industry is expected to remain a vital segment of global food trade.
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10-Jul-2024
Used cooking oil, also known as UCO, is quite in demand because of its adaptability and various uses. From animal feed to biodiesel production to the cosmetic industry, used cooking oil is required in almost every business sector. The rise in demand
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