Japan Sees Sharp Decline in Arab Oil Imports Amid US Surge
Japan's reliance on oil from Arab countries has significantly decreased in June 2026. According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), imports from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait collectively accounted for 62.3% of total oil imports, down from around 95% prior to the Israeli-American war on Iran.
The conflict led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, causing a shift in Japan's oil supply chain. In June, the United States emerged as the second-largest supplier, providing 20.44 million barrels (32.2%) of the total imports.
Japan imported a total of 63.19 million barrels of oil in June, with the UAE being the leading supplier, accounting for 35.8% of total imports. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait followed closely behind, supplying 21.6% and 5%, respectively.