Institution: Strong Malaysian palm oil exports may offset the impact of increased production.

Lianchang International Securities analyst Ivy Ng Lee Fang stated in a report that Malaysian palm oil inventories in March may decrease by 8% from the previous month to 2.48 million tons, as strong exports may offset the impact of increased production. Since the end of February, supported by rising crude and soybean oil prices amid the Middle East conflict, crude palm oil prices have increased by about 9.5% to around 4,428 ringgit per ton. She said that the current price is higher than the average forecast of 4,000 ringgit per ton for 2026, indicating potential upside if the conflict continues. She added that the increase in crude palm oil prices is beneficial to plantation owners, but the rising cost of fertilizers and high energy prices leading to a global slowdown may limit the increase. Lianchang International maintains a neutral rating on the Malaysian plantation sector and lists IOI Corp. as its top pick.