China lowers oil imports from Russia, but maintains top supplier status

In the first quarter of 2025, China reduced its oil imports from Russia by 14.7% compared to the same period last year, amounting to 24.315 million tons, according to data provided by the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China.

The total value of oil imports during the first quarter stood at $13 billion, reflecting a significant 22% decline compared to the first three months of 2024, Caliber.Az reports.

The Administration said that despite the decrease in volume, Russia remained the largest oil supplier to China.

Oil accounts for more than 40% of the total value of imports from Russia.

In March alone, Russia supplied 8.85 million tons of oil to China, which is 14% higher than in February. In terms of value, China spent $4.6 billion on Russian oil in March, marking a 9% rise compared to the previous month.

China imports oil from Russia through two primary channels: pipeline deliveries and maritime shipments.​

The East Siberia-Pacific Ocean (ESPO) pipeline is the main conduit for Russian crude to China. This pipeline, with a combined annual capacity of approximately 35 million tons (700,000 barrels per day), delivers oil from Siberian fields to refineries in northeastern China. 

The Arctic route has become a vital pathway for Russian oil exports to China. Due to seasonal ice conditions, the Northern Sea Route is currently closed, necessitating longer maritime journeys. To circumvent U.S. sanctions, Russian oil is transferred onto non-sanctioned Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) in international waters before proceeding to China.

By Khagan Isayev