Stockpiles at the world's second largest producer eased to 1.90 million tonnes, according to data from industry regulator the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).

Crude palm oil production last month rose to a 20-month high, growing 14.2% from May to 1.89 million tonnes, the MPOB data showed, the highest since October 2018.

"Production was 2-5% higher than earlier estimates. We are likely to see a stronger production trend until September," Marcello Cultrera, institutional sales manager and broker at Phillip Futures in Kuala Lumpur.

However, June palm oil exports, including crude and processed palm oil, surged 24.9% from May to 1.71 million tonnes, the highest since August 2019, as countries restock on the edible oil after weathering lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

MPOB data showed June imports by top buyer India were 4.5 times the level of the previous month, while China's imports rose 56%.

In particular, exports of crude palm oil alone jumped 159% after Malaysia cut its export tax to zero for the period from June to December, noted Sathia Varqa, co-founder of Singapore-based Palm Oil Analytics.

However, traders expect the pace of exports to slow down in July.

Benchmark crude palm oil prices, currently about 2,366 ringgit ($554.23) a tonne, should hold between 2,200 ringgit and 2,500 ringgit for the rest of 2020, said Azila Abdul Aziz, chief executive officer of Kenanga Futures.

"Nevertheless, the fear of a second wave of COVID-19 which could cause further undue stress on the global economy might limit the upside potential," Azila said.

Concerns about a resurgence of U.S.-China trade tensions over Hong Kong national security law could also weigh on prices, she added.

($1 = 4.2690 ringgit)

(Reporting by Mei Mei Chu; editing by Richard Pullin)

By Mei Mei Chu