Gulf crude exporters are expanding their market share in China as Iranian shipments fall, according to data from analytics firm Vortexa. Saudi crude shipments to Chinese ports are projected to exceed 2 million barrels per day in October 2026, with 75% allocated to Sinopec and PetroChina. Total Middle Eastern crude arrivals into China are expected to reach around 4.5 million barrels per day.
Non-Iranian Middle East Gulf crude oil flows to China climbed toward pre-disruption levels as logistics adapted to shifting market conditions. According to Vortexa data, ship-to-ship transfers accounted for more than half of all Middle East Gulf crude exports delivered to China in September. Chinese energy importers have increasingly turned to Gulf Cooperation Council suppliers to replace squeezed volumes.
Gulf energy producers are poised to expand their market share in China as crude shipments from Iran decline amid regional conflict, according to Vortexa. Total Middle East crude imports into China are forecast to reach roughly 4.5 million barrels per day in October 2026.
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.
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