China’s fuel oil exports climbed to 577,000 barrels per day last month, marking the highest level since the start of the year. The figure was up 18% from June, according to official customs data cited by Reuters.
The increase points to firmer demand tied to shipping activity, a notable shift after softer conditions earlier in the year. Fuel oil is widely used in the shipping sector, so a rebound in vessel demand can quickly lift export volumes.
At the same time, China’s broader refined products exports moved lower, highlighting a split within the country’s oil export mix. That suggests stronger support for fuel oil shipments than for other refined fuel categories.
The latest data shows how changes in shipping demand can influence China’s energy trade even when overall refined product exports are under pressure. For oil markets, the move signals that marine-related fuel demand has become a brighter spot in an otherwise weaker export picture.
