China's oil product exports in August 2026 reached 6 million and 10 thousand tons, marking a 12.7% increase compared to the same period last year. This significant growth has occurred as China's jet fuel exports have reached their highest volume of 2 million and 550 thousand tons.
Export Restrictions and Their Impacts
China is one of the main exporters of oil products in Asia. In mid-March 2026, due to concerns over energy supply disruptions, the country restricted oil product exports including diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel. However, since mid-July, China has begun to ease these restrictions and is expected to continue adjusting export limitations in September. This action could lead to higher profit margins in foreign markets for China.
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Export and Import Details
According to customs data, jet fuel exports in August grew by 41.4% compared to 2025, reaching 2 million and 550 thousand tons. However, in the first eight months of this year, China's jet fuel exports decreased by 14.4% compared to the previous year, totaling 11 million and 760 thousand tons.
Additionally, China's diesel exports in August 2026 increased by 42.1% compared to last year, reaching 1 million and 330 thousand tons, the highest amount since March 2024. Diesel exports in the first eight months of 2026 also rose by 5.9%, reaching 4 million and 840 thousand tons.
China's gasoline exports in August reached 700 thousand tons; although this figure represents a 17.5% decrease compared to last year, it is the highest export amount from the country since October of last year. In total, from January to August 2026, China exported 2 million and 420 thousand tons of gasoline, showing a 57.4% decrease compared to the same period last year.
Data also indicates that China's liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports in August 2026 decreased by 17.8% compared to 2025, reaching 5 million and 160 thousand tons. In the first eight months of this year, China's LNG imports fell by 6.8% compared to the same period last year, totaling 38 million and 860 thousand tons.
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