Data source: Customs, Chempricehub
In April 2026, the final actual discharge volume of China’s methanol imports from seaborne vessels was 576,000 metric tons (counted upon berthing, excluding Russian overland shipments), an increase of 138,100 metric tons, or 31.54%, compared with the previous month’s import volume of 437,900 metric tons.
Data source: Customs, Chempricehub
China’s methanol exports in April 2026 are estimated at approximately 201,800 metric tons, a sharp increase of 136,100 metric tons, or 207.15%, from the previous month’s export volume of 65,700 metric tons.
Imports: Periodic concentrated arrivals of non-Iranian contract cargoes in certain regions, combined with the delivery pace of some Middle East cargoes, led to a rebound in import discharge volumes in April.
Exports: Geopolitical conflicts and strait blockades severely disrupted supply in the Asian region. Overseas prices rose even more sharply on supply concerns, continuing to support a substantial increase in China’s exports and re-exports.
Estimated monthly seaborne imports of methanol into China by trading partner (April)
| Trading Partner | Quantity (Metric Tons) | Share of Imports |
|---|---|---|
| Middle East | 264,800 | 45.97% |
| Chile | 162,176 | 28.16% |
| Oman | 38,000 | 6.60% |
| Malaysia | 31,000 | 5.38% |
| Russia | 28,000 | 4.86% |
| Venezuela | 28,000 | 4.86% |
| Trinidad | 12,000 | 2.08% |
| New Zealand | 12,000 | 2.08% |
| Total | 575,976 | 100.00% |
Data source: Chempricehub
Methanol import cargo discharge in April is estimated at 576,000 metric tons, with 264,800 metric tons discharged from the main Middle East region and 311,200 metric tons from non-Iranian cargoes during the month. In April, approximately 245,000 metric tons were loaded from the main Middle East region, but only 120,000 metric tons of cargo actually departed the strait (all before April 5). Total imports in May are expected to continue declining to around 327,200 metric tons (a few cargoes departing in early May are temporarily included in the June discharge expectation), of which main Middle East supply is estimated at 101,000 metric tons and non-Iranian supply at around 226,200 metric tons. (Affected by multiple port-related factors, cargo arrival times may change; therefore, actual port arrival volumes are subject to final terminal discharge.)
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