Kpler

China–UAE News

Analysis Highlights Constraints on Chinese Mediation in US-Iran Conflict

China has stepped up diplomatic engagements to urge de-escalation between the United States and Iran amid risks to global energy security, according to a Reuters analysis published by Voice of Emirates. While China remains Iran's top oil buyer, its leverage is primarily commercial and balanced against roughly $300 billion in annual trade with Arab Gulf states. The analysis characterizes Beijing as an active observer rather than a decisive mediator as Qatar leads parallel de-escalation talks.

China–UAE News

Japan Forecast to Surpass China as World’s Top LNG Importer This Year

Japan is projected to overtake China as the world's largest importer of liquefied natural gas this year for the first time since 2022. Consultancies ICIS and Kpler report that elevated spot prices and elevated domestic storage levels in China have constrained Chinese purchases. The shift comes alongside disruptions to Asian LNG demand following halts to shipments from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

China–UAE News

China Gulf Oil Imports Forecast to Near Pre-War High as Shipments Rebound

China's crude oil imports from the Gulf rose 25.7 percent month on month to 13.8 million tonnes in September, marking a third consecutive monthly increase. According to Kpler, shipments from the region are projected to surpass 5 million barrels per day in October, nearing pre-conflict levels. The rebound follows domestic inventory drawdowns and active bidding by Chinese refiners for crude from Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.

Industry News

High Freight Rates Prompt Chinese Refiners to Favor Middle Eastern Crude

Surging maritime shipping costs have led Asian and Chinese refiners to favor Middle Eastern crude over West African supplies, according to analytics firm Kpler. Shipping freight rates have quadrupled from pre-crisis baselines, shutting down long-haul arbitrages. Resurgent Persian Gulf exports and restored Saudi logistics have consequently reclaimed market share in East Asia.