Data source: Customs, Chempricehub Information
In February 2026, the final actual discharge volume of methanol imported into China by oceangoing vessels was 823,000 metric tons (counted upon berthing), down sharply by 212,400 metric tons, or 20.51%, from the previous month's actual discharge of 1.0354 million metric tons.
Data source: Customs, Chempricehub Information
China's methanol exports in February 2026 were estimated at a routine level of around 10,000–15,000 metric tons.
Imports: China's import supply continued to decline sharply after Iran's gas curtailment and subsequent plant shutdowns.
Estimated monthly methanol import volumes into China by oceangoing vessel, by source country/region (February)
| Source Country/Region | Volume (mt) | Import Share |
|---|---|---|
| Iran | 429,398 | 52.17% |
| Trinidad | 67,700 | 8.23% |
| Malaysia | 62,500 | 7.59% |
| Russia | 60,500 | 7.35% |
| Chile | 54,560 | 6.63% |
| Oman | 52,000 | 6.32% |
| New Zealand | 35,340 | 4.29% |
| Venezuela | 28,000 | 3.40% |
| Qatar | 17,000 | 2.07% |
| Saudi Arabia | 16,036 | 1.95% |
| Total | 823,034 | 100.00% |
Data source: Chempricehub Information
February methanol import cargo discharges were estimated at 823,000 metric tons, continuing the expected sharp decline. During the month, discharges from the core Middle East source—Iran—totaled 429,400 metric tons, while non-Iranian cargoes totaled 393,600 metric tons. In February, loadings from the same core Middle East source were only 221,000 metric tons. Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, some cargoes loaded in early March remained at anchorage within the Persian Gulf. Total March imports are expected to continue falling to 500,000 metric tons or below, with supply from the core Middle East source estimated at around 255,000 metric tons and non-Iranian supply also declining to below 250,000 metric tons. (Affected by multiple port factors, cargo arrival times may change; actual port receipt volumes are subject to final discharge at the terminal.)
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