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Saudi Arabia Ranks as China’s Third-Largest Crude Oil Supplier in September

Customs data released on October 20, 2026 showed Saudi Arabia was China's third-largest crude oil supplier in September, delivering 2.70 million tonnes. Over the first nine months of the year, Brazil surpassed Saudi Arabia to become the second-largest supplier. Russia remained China's top crude oil supplier during September.

Illustration: A large commercial crude oil tanker navigating near an industrial coastal oil terminal with storage tanks and pipeline infrastructure vi
Illustration

Customs data released on October 20, 2026 showed that Saudi Arabia was China's third-largest crude oil supplier during September, according to report by Maaal.

Chinese crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia totaled 2.70 million tonnes during the month, which is equivalent to approximately 660,000 barrels per day.

Over the first nine months of the year, Brazil overtook Saudi Arabia to rank as China's second-largest supplier. Brazil shipped 44.29 million tonnes during this period, compared with 43.12 million tonnes delivered by Saudi Arabia.

In September, China also imported crude oil from other Middle Eastern suppliers, including 4.84 million tonnes from Iraq and 1.22 million tonnes from Oman. Russia retained its position as China's top overall supplier, delivering 9.94 million tonnes in September.

Sources

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