Top Palm Oil Producing Countries

Palm oil, derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree (*Elaeis guineensis*), is a major global commodity, with Indonesia and Malaysia dominating production—together, they account for over 80% of the world’s supply. The oil palm is native to West and Central Africa, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years for food and other uses. European explorers introduced the crop to Southeast Asia in the 19th century, and commercial plantations began to flourish in Malaysia and Indonesia in the early 20th century due to favorable climates and colonial investment. Since then, both countries have expanded their plantations dramatically, driven by global demand for palm oil in food products, cosmetics, and biofuels. Other significant producers include Thailand, Nigeria, and Colombia, but their output is far smaller by comparison. The rapid expansion of palm oil production has brought economic growth to producing countries, but also raised concerns about deforestation, habitat loss, and social impacts.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat