Part 9/16:

In terms of trade, Malaysia exported over 15 million metric tons of palm oil last year, valued at nearly $30 billion, with about 10% of that directed to the EU. If Europe reduces or bans imports, Malaysia and Indonesia argue that other markets—such as India, China, and Africa—will benefit, but the geopolitical and economic impacts could be profound.

The Environmental Watchdog’s Call for Support

Environmental organizations, like Rainbow Watch, stress that the real challenge lies in supporting smallholders to comply with traceability and monitoring systems. They advocate for government-led initiatives to map farms, which would not only aid in meeting EU standards but also help address climate risks such as droughts and landslides.