China’s crude oil imports experienced a notable shift in August as shipments from Russia and Malaysia saw a marked downturn. Industry data revealed that imports from Russia, one of China’s top suppliers, declined by nearly 15% compared to the previous month. Similarly, deliveries from Malaysia dropped sharply, signaling a potential realignment in China’s sourcing strategy amidst evolving geopolitical and market dynamics. Analysts suggest that tariff adjustments and changing demand patterns within China’s refining sector could be driving this retraction.

Key highlights of China’s crude oil imports in August include:

  • Russian crude: Down 15%, affected by logistic constraints and pricing competition.
  • Malaysian crude: Experienced a 20% decline amid shifts to alternative suppliers.
  • U.S. crude: Remained absent for the third consecutive month, continuing the trade lull…