China is on track to import a record volume of naphtha in 2025, driven by rising demand from its petrochemical and refining sectors. Industry analysts project that increasing domestic consumption of naphtha—used primarily as a feedstock for producing plastics and chemicals—will push import levels to new heights as local production struggles to keep pace.
The surge comes amid China’s ongoing efforts to expand its petrochemical capacity, supporting the country’s broader industrial growth and downstream manufacturing ambitions. Additionally, tighter environmental regulations are prompting refiners to shift feedstock mixes, further boosting naphtha’s appeal as a cleaner alternative.
Market experts expect China’s naphtha imports to surpass previous highs by mid-2025, with major suppliers including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Russia stepping up shipments to meet demand. This trend underscores China’s growing role as the dominant driver of global petrochemical feedstock markets. 
However, geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain disruptions could introduce volatility, potentially impacting pricing and availability in the months ahead.
As China continues to build out its refining and chemical sectors, the world will be watching closely to see how its naphtha import patterns influence global trade flows and commodity markets.
