Thailand as a Soybean Oil Exporter
Thailand imports raw soybeans from the USA, Brazil, and Argentina and crushes them domestically for the edible oil and feed markets. Thai soybean oil processors export both Refined, Bleached & Deodorized (RBD) soybean oil and Crude Degummed Soybean Oil (CDSO) to buyers in Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa. As a soybean oil exporter in Thailand, Jit Aree Vegetable Oil sources from certified processors with ISO 22000, HACCP, and Halal certification, ensuring food-grade quality for direct use in cooking oil manufacturing, margarine production, industrial frying, and biodiesel feedstock.
Soybean Oil Grades and Specifications
Refined Degummed Soybean Oil (RBD) The most commonly traded export grade. Produced through degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization — resulting in a light-colored, neutral-flavor oil suitable for direct food use or further processing.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, light yellow |
| Free Fatty Acid (FFA) | ≤0.05% (as oleic acid) |
| Peroxide Value (PV) | ≤2.0 meq/kg |
| Moisture & Impurities | ≤0.05% |
| Color (Lovibond 5.25" cell) | Max 1.5R, 15Y |
| Iodine Value | 120–140 g I₂/100g |
| Saponification Value | 189–195 mg KOH/g |
Crude Degummed Soybean Oil (CDSO) Lower-cost grade used as feedstock for refining or biodiesel production. Higher FFA content (0.3–1.0%) and requires industrial refining before food use. Primarily supplied to cooking oil manufacturers, margarine producers, and biodiesel plants.
FOB Pricing Guide 2026
| Grade | Packaging | FOB Laem Chabang | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBD Soybean Oil | Flexitank (20,000L) | $920–$1,050/MT | Most economical for container loads |
| RBD Soybean Oil | IBC (1,000L) | $960–$1,100/MT | Suitable for smaller volumes or intermediate use |
| RBD Soybean Oil | 20L drums (50×20kg) | $1,020–$1,150/MT | Retail/food service repacking |
| Crude Degummed Soybean Oil | Flexitank | $780–$900/MT | Refinery or biodiesel feedstock |
Pricing is influenced by Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) soybean oil futures, THB/USD exchange rate, and shipping costs. Prices above are indicative FOB Laem Chabang for April 2026. Request current pricing for firm quotation.
Packaging Options
Flexitanks (20,000 liters): A flexible bladder installed inside a standard 20ft dry container. The most cost-effective option for full container loads of liquid oil. One 20ft container with flexitank holds approximately 18–20 MT soybean oil (depending on density). Minimum order: 1 × 20ft container.
IBC Tanks (1,000 liters): Intermediate Bulk Containers, typically 20 per 20ft container = 20 MT. Suitable for buyers who need to decant into smaller volumes. IBCs are reusable and stackable.
Drums (20L / 18L): Suitable for small wholesale buyers and food manufacturers needing retail-size units. 20ft container holds approximately 1,000 × 20L drums = 20 MT.
Certifications
- ISO 22000:2018 — Food safety management
- HACCP — Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
- Halal (CICOT Thailand) — Mandatory for Muslim-majority market buyers (Indonesia, Malaysia, Middle East, Africa)
- GMP (Thai FDA) — Good Manufacturing Practice
- Non-GMO available — IP-certified non-GMO soybean oil available on request at a premium of $30–$60/MT
Top Import Markets for Thai Soybean Oil
Thailand's soybean oil exports primarily reach: Indonesia and Malaysia (ASEAN 0% duty, 3–7 day transit), Bangladesh (GSP tariff reduction), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) (5–10 day transit from Laem Chabang), East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia — 15–22 day transit), and Vietnam (AFTA 0% duty, 2–4 day transit).
How to Source Soybean Oil from Thailand: Step by Step
- Define grade and volume — RBD or crude, MT per month, packaging preference
- Request FOB quotation — provide destination port and target delivery date
- Review Proforma Invoice — confirm price, specs, packaging, and payment terms
- Arrange payment — L/C at sight or T/T 30/70 are standard
- Pre-shipment inspection — SGS or Bureau Veritas inspection available on request
- Receive documentation — Certificate of Analysis, Health Certificate, Halal cert, CoO, B/L, Invoice, Packing List
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between RBD and crude soybean oil for export? A: RBD (Refined, Bleached & Deodorized) soybean oil is food-grade and ready for direct use in cooking, margarine production, or retail sale. FFA is ≤0.05%. Crude degummed oil has FFA 0.3–1.0%, requires refining before food use, and is 15–20% cheaper. Industrial buyers (refineries, biodiesel plants) typically prefer crude; food manufacturers prefer RBD.
Q: Is Thai soybean oil halal certified? A: Yes. Our soybean oil suppliers carry Halal certification from CICOT (Central Islamic Committee of Thailand), recognized by JAKIM (Malaysia), MUI (Indonesia), and GCC halal authorities. Certificate provided with each shipment.
Q: What is the minimum order for soybean oil from Thailand? A: Minimum order is 1 × 20ft container (approximately 18–20 MT in flexitank, or 20 MT in IBC tanks). We accept LCL from 1 MT for trial orders at a 15% premium. Annual supply contracts available from 100 MT/year for preferred pricing.
Request a soybean oil quotation → | Vegetable oil comparison guide | Flexitank vs IBC vs drums