A Vortexa report indicates that Gulf crude producers, led by Saudi Arabia and Iraq, are expanding market share in China. Non-Iranian Middle Eastern crude deliveries are projected to hit 4.5 million barrels per day in October 2026. Saudi exports are estimated to surpass 2 million barrels per day, largely taken by state refiners.
Chinese customs data indicates crude oil imports from the UAE rose 5 percent year-on-year to 733,000 barrels per day in September 2026. Conversely, shipments from Saudi Arabia and Iraq fell substantially, driving an overall 20 percent drop in total imports. Chinese refiners offset Gulf shortfalls by boosting purchases from Russia and Brazil.
The UAE and Kuwait have increased naphtha exports to Asian petrochemical producers using ship-to-ship transfer operations conducted outside the Strait of Hormuz. Between August and September, ADNOC and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation exported approximately 1.6 million metric tons of naphtha, more than doubling shipments from the March-April period. The surge reflects growing utilization of alternative loading and offshore transshipment hubs including Fujairah and waters off Oman and India.
Historically high freight yields are spurring container lines to launch dedicated services between India and Middle East ports, with UAE gateways such as Khor Fakkan seeing increased traffic. Danish carrier Maersk has deployed a new shuttle between India's Nhava Sheva and Khor Fakkan, while Chinese line CULines is planning an Asia-Middle East service. Ongoing overland cross-border transport bottlenecks and port congestion continue to elevate regional spot rates and trigger fresh carrier surcharges.
Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.
Membership
Tell us about your experience and connection to UAE–China business. UECN assesses your application and offers the right membership category — fees are shared privately with your offer.
We send you a one-time sign-in link — your answers are saved as you go.
