Taiwan Tops the Charts: World's Largest Importer of Russia’s Most Versatile Crude Oil

 

In a surprising geopolitical twist, Taiwan has emerged as the biggest importer of Russia’s most diverse crude oil product—naphtha—surpassing traditional energy giants like India and China. This development underscores Taiwan’s strategic role in the global petrochemical and semiconductor industries, even as it maintains strong diplomatic ties with the West.

 

Key Highlights of Taiwan’s Import Surge

 

Taiwan imported USD 1.3 billion worth of Russian naphtha in the first half of 2025

 

Monthly import volumes are nearly six times higher than in 2022, reflecting a 44 percent year-on-year increase

 

Naphtha is a critical feedstock for producing olefins and aromatics, essential for plastics, resins, and semiconductor chemicals

 

Taiwan’s demand is driven by its booming tech and manufacturing sectors, which rely heavily on petrochemical inputs

 

Geopolitical and Economic Implications

 

Taiwan’s rise as a top importer comes amid its alignment with Western sanctions against Russia following the Ukraine conflict

 

Despite being a close ally of the United States, Taiwan continues to source Russian crude, balancing economic needs with diplomatic pressures

 

India ranks second in Russian naphtha imports, but faces punitive tariffs from the US for its continued energy trade with Moscow

 

The shift highlights how energy trade is evolving beyond traditional alliances, shaped by industrial demand and strategic autonomy

 

Sources: DNA India, NDTV