China’s refined fuel exports surged in July following the relaxation of restrictions imposed to safeguard domestic supply, customs data show.
Total shipments of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel reached 2.55 million metric tons last month, with 1.74 million metric tons exported to destinations outside Hong Kong and Macau. The easing of export limits, introduced in mid-March amid concerns over domestic fuel availability, began in July and continued into August.
Diesel exports totaled 813,732 metric tons, of which 624,908 metric tons were shipped to markets beyond Hong Kong and Macau. Volumes more than doubled from June and returned to levels observed prior to the Iran conflict. Southeast Asian countries accounted for the majority of diesel shipments.
Gasoline exports excluding Hong Kong and Macau rose more than 400% from June to 390,532 metric tons, with Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar identified as the main recipients. Despite the monthly rebound, July gasoline exports remained 57% below the same period last year.
Jet fuel shipments excluding Hong Kong and Macau increased 70% from June to 724,390 metric tons, with Southeast Asia receiving more than double the volume at 369,776 metric tons compared with 162,286 metric tons in June. Exports to Russia climbed 158% year-on-year to 20,190 metric tons, while total jet fuel exports remained 33% below July 2025 levels and 50% lower than July 2024 when excluding Hong Kong and Macau.
