Asian crude oil imports are projected to reach 23.96 million barrels per day in September 2026, supported by shipments from Arabian Gulf exporters. China increased purchases to 8.93 million barrels per day in August 2026, marking a 6.2 percent month-on-month rise. Tanker tracking data confirms an ongoing recovery in maritime energy flows connecting Gulf terminals to Chinese refineries.
China's sulphur imports dropped 65 percent year-on-year in August 2026 to roughly 277,300 tonnes amid Middle East maritime logistics disruptions, according to customs data. The resulting shortage drove average import prices up by nearly 246 percent. Despite broad regional shipping constraints, the UAE, South Korea, and Canada supplied 80 percent of total August imports.
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.
