SD Guthrie marks historic tariff-free sustainable palm oil shipment to UK under CPTPP
A total of 8,000 metric tonnes of fully traceable and segregated CSPO, produced entirely from SD Guthrie's supply chain in Sabah, arrived at the company's Liverpool refinery on April 4.
SD Guthrie Berhad group managing director,Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha (centre, sixth from right) celebrates the departure of the first tariff-free palm oil shipment under the CPTPP agreement from Kunak Port, together with the company's senior upstream operations management team in Sabah.
United Kingdom's SD Guthrie International Liverpool Refinery manufacturing operations manager Tim Pemberton (fourth from right) dressed in traditional Malay attire, celebrates the arrival of the first tariff-free palm oil shipment from Malaysia to the UK under the CPTPP agreement together with the workers at the refinery.
SHAH ALAM - SD Guthrie Berhad has achieved a major milestone in international trade and sustainable agriculture, following the arrival of its first-ever tariff-free shipment of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil-certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) into the United Kingdom under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
A total of 8,000 metric tonnes of fully traceable and segregated CSPO, produced entirely from SD Guthrie's supply chain in Sabah, arrived at the company's Liverpool refinery on April 4.
Describing the shipment as a proud moment for the company, SD Guthrie's Group Managing Director Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha said the delivery marked a key chapter in strengthening Malaysia–UK trade ties and demonstrated the company's capability to supply top-quality, sustainable palm oil at scale.
'This milestone highlights not only the strength of Malaysia–UK trade relations but also SD Guthrie's strong commitment to ensure quality, traceability and security of sustainable palm oil supply to our discerning customers in the UK,' he said.
The cargo, transported aboard the Dolphin 19 from Kunak Port, Sabah, was shipped on Feb 19 and underwent rigorous testing to ensure minimal levels of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), reinforcing its commitment to food safety and quality.
The CPTPP, a high-standard free trade agreement among 11 Pacific Rim nations including Malaysia, came into full effect for the UK on 15 December 2024. As part of the deal, tariffs previously ranging between 2% and 10% on Malaysian palm oil products entering the UK were removed, providing a significant boost to exporters like SD Guthrie.
While SD Guthrie's UK-bound supply has traditionally been sourced from its operations in Papua New Guinea, the Sabah-origin shipment reinforces the company's capacity to diversify supply points while maintaining consistent standards.
'Depending on market conditions and customer requirements, we can offer customers the security of supply they need to run their businesses, from Malaysia or PNG,' Helmy added.
SD Guthrie's Liverpool refinery plays a vital role in the UK's food industry, supplying approximately 50 to 55 per cent of the nation's palm oil demand.
Its products are used widely, from deep fryers in traditional fish-and-chip shops to ingredients in baked goods and iconic British confectionery.
Crucially, the consignment's traceability guarantees that every drop of palm oil can be traced back to specific estates and mills within SD Guthrie's Sabah operations.
The segregated CSPO supply chain ensures the oil remains uncontaminated by conventionally produced palm oil throughout its journey, from plantation to refinery.
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