China's Oil Imports Remain Weak Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict

China's seaborne crude oil imports have remained weak in August, staying at 7.14 million barrels per day (bpd) after a slight increase from July's 6.93 million bpd, according to commodity analysts Kpler.

This is still 4.27 million bpd below the average of 11.41 million bpd in the three months leading up to the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran on February 28.

The reduction in China's seaborne crude oil imports since the start of the conflict means it is shouldering the bulk of the adjustment of lower volumes from the Middle East, with exports dropping amid constrained flows through the Strait of Hormuz.