Analysis of Estimated Monthly Data on China's Methanol Imports and Exports (January 2026)

1. Overview of Import and Export Data

Data sources: China Customs, Chempricehub Intelligence

In January 2026, China's actual methanol import discharge from foreign vessels totaled 1.0354 million metric tons (mt) (counted upon berthing), a sharp decrease of 698,600 mt, or 40.29%, from the previous month's customs data of 1.7340 million mt.

Data sources: China Customs, Chempricehub Intelligence

China's methanol exports in January 2026 are preliminarily estimated at 15,000 mt, down an estimated 27,300 mt, or 64.54%, from the previous month's customs data of 42,300 mt.

2. Influencing Factors

Imports: The decline reflects the lagged impact on China's import supply of production halts in Iran caused by gas curtailment; meanwhile, elevated prices in India have correspondingly diverted some non-Iranian supply away from China.

Exports: China's import costs rose significantly, while no meaningful re-export volumes were tracked in January.

3. Import/Export Structure

Monthly estimate of China's methanol imports by trading partner, based on foreign-vessel data (January)

Data source: Chempricehub Intelligence

4. Trend Forecast

January methanol import cargo discharge was preliminarily estimated at 1.0354 million mt, falling sharply as expected. During the month, discharge from the key Middle East supply region totaled 684,700 mt, while non-Iranian cargo discharge stood at 349,700 mt. In January, loadings from the key Middle East supply region reached 469,000 mt. Total import volume in February is expected to be approximately 836,800 mt, comprising around 430,000 mt from key Middle East suppliers and around 406,800 mt from non-Iranian suppliers, which is expected to recover. (Due to multiple port-related factors, cargo arrival times may be subject to change; actual port arrivals are subject to final discharge figures at the terminal.)