According to Nikkei Asia, China is
restarting imports of US energy, with tanker tracking data indicating that around 600,000 barrels per day of American crude oil are scheduled to be loaded in April. The shift marks a resumption of energy trade between the United States and China following a suspension of purchases triggered by earlier trade tensions.
Industry sources
told Reuters that China is likely to extend its refined fuel export curbs through April, with limited exemptions for countries facing acute shortages. Talks are underway to allow small volumes of diesel, jet fuel and gasoline to Southeast Asian markets.
Export quotas for April could range from about 150,000 to 300,000 metric tons, with shipments likely to Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Vietnam. The selective easing highlights Beijing’s effort to maintain regional market influence while managing tight domestic supply.
The resumption of China’s purchases of US crude oil and LNG appears to reflect limited strategic flexibility for Beijing, as disruptions to supplies from Venezuela and the Middle East constrain its options.