Crude Palm Oil prices in CFR Houston eased in late April, slipping about 0.15% WoW as a technical correction and shifting demand dynamics weighed on the market. Earlier in the month, a firmer tone emerged on Q1 tightness in Southeast Asia and freight surcharges after geopolitical flare-ups, but gains were pared by a mid-month supply rally from Malaysia and soft spot buying on the US East Coast. The month posted a WoW gain, yet the late-April retreat underscored a balance between seasonal output and lingering upside risks from freight and benchmark valuations. Demand was mixed across segments: US edible-oil spot markets softened as East Coast buying cooled and Malaysian parcels remained unsold. In contrast, renewables demand remained resilient, with renewable diesel and biodiesel formulators benefiting from improved economics and widening soybean-oil premiums that boost palm's competitiveness as a feedstock. Looking ahead, the market is expected to range, with Malaysian supply capping downside while valuations and shipping risks offer intermittent support.
