China's crude oil imports fell in June to their lowest since October 2016, at about 6.4 million b/d

Based on preliminary estimates from tanker-tracking firms Kpler and Vortexa, China's seaborne crude oil imports averaged about 6.4 million barrels per day in June 2026, the lowest level since October 2016 and roughly 8% below May. May imports had been reported at about 7.8 million b/d (nearly 33 million tons), the lowest since October 2017.

The world's largest oil importer has cut purchases by about 4 million b/d below usual levels since the Iran war began in late February. China has managed the shortfall by reducing refined-product exports, cutting refinery run rates, and drawing down its commercial crude stockpiles.

The drop in Chinese import demand has been one of the factors helping keep global supply and demand balanced and oil prices below $100. Chinese customs data has confirmed the May figures, while the June figure remains preliminary.