NANJING: Malaysia's palm oil production is expected to experience stagnant growth or drop slightly this year due to lower yields, said Malaysia Palm Oil Council (MPOC) Chairman Datuk Lee Yeow Chor.

He said since palm oil was categorised as an agriculture product, the output usually fluctuated throughout the year depending on weather conditions. 

"Last year, our production stood at 19.9 million tonnes, up 15 per cent, from 2016's output of 17.5 million tonnes. 

"Because of the drastic growth in output last year, we foresee that this year's production will be stagnant or drop," he told reporters at the Malaysia-China Palm Oil Trade Fair and Seminar (Pots) 2018 here on Tuesday. 

Officiated by the Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok, POTS 2018 attracted 400 participants from Malaysia and China. 

Themed, 'Enhanced Trade, Maximise Opportunities Through Malaysian Palm Oil', the one-day event was jointly organised by MPOC and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board.