Data source: Customs, Chempricehub Intelligence
In August 2026, the final actual discharge from foreign vessels carrying methanol imports to China totaled 748,300 tons (counted upon berthing, excluding Russian overland shipments), a decrease of 243,800 tons, or 24.57%, from the previous month's customs import figure of 992,100 tons.
Data source: Customs, Chempricehub Intelligence
China's methanol exports in August 2026 are estimated at approximately 100,000 tons, down 22,100 tons, or 18.10%, from the previous month's customs export volume of 122,100 tons.
Imports: With the strait re-blockaded, cargo shipments from within the Persian Gulf have virtually stalled once again, causing imports to fall further.
Exports: Despite the re-blockade of the strait, re-export negotiations and arbitrage windows remain open, making it difficult for exports to decline.
Estimated monthly import volume of China's methanol by trade partner, based on foreign vessel statistics (August)
| Trade Partner | Volume (tons) | Share of Imports |
|---|---|---|
| Middle East | 369,000 | 49.31% |
| Chile | 110,700 | 14.79% |
| Malaysia | 80,000 | 10.69% |
| Oman | 57,000 | 7.62% |
| New Zealand | 40,000 | 5.35% |
| Russia | 36,000 | 4.81% |
| Trinidad | 29,300 | 3.92% |
| Saudi Arabia | 26,276 | 3.51% |
| Total | 748,276 | 100.00% |
Data source: Chempricehub Intelligence
August methanol import cargo discharges are estimated at 748,300 tons, of which 369,000 tons were discharged from the key Middle East supply region and 379,300 tons from non-Iranian sources. After the US-Iran conflict reignited in July and the strait was re-blockaded, vessel loadings stalled once again. Chempricehub data indicates that only approximately 160,000 tons of cargo are estimated to have been shipped from the key Middle East region between August and early September. Total imports in September are expected to fall once again to around 400,000 tons, with the Middle East expected to supply approximately 120,000 tons and non-Iranian sources approximately 280,000 tons. (Due to multiple port-related factors, vessel arrival times may be subject to change; actual port receipts shall be based on final terminal discharge figures.)
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