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Top 10 Crude Oil Importers in 2024: Global Buyers List, Market Trends, and Supplier Guide

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Top 10 Crude Oil Importers in 2024: Global Buyers List, Market Trends, and Supplier Guide

Crude oil remains the lifeblood of global economies, powering industries and transportation networks worldwide. For businesses and policymakers, understanding the top crude oil importers, emerging market trends, and reliable crude oil suppliers is critical to navigating this dynamic sector. In this guide, we break down the key players, 2024 trends, and strategies for connecting with global buyers.  

Top 10 Crude Oil Importing Countries in 2024

1. China  

 Annual Imports: 11 million barrels per day (bpd)  

 Relies on Middle Eastern suppliers (Saudi Aramco, Iraq) and Russian crude.  

Rising demand driven by industrial growth and strategic reserves.  


2. United States

   Annual Imports: 8.5 million bpd  

   Prioritizes Canadian heavy oil and Latin American imports.  

   Shale production reduces dependency but imports remain steady.  


3. India  

  Annual Imports: 5 million bpd  

  Key suppliers: UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria.  

   Expanding refinery capacity boosts import needs.  


4. South Korea 

   Annual Imports: 3.2 million bpd  

   Imports light crude from the U.S. and OPEC nations.  


5. Japan

   Annual Imports: 3 million bpd  

   Diversifies suppliers to mitigate geopolitical risks (Qatar, Australia).  


6. Germany  

   Annual Imports: 2.1 million bpd  

   Shifts from Russian oil to Norwegian and U.S. suppliers post-Ukraine war.  


7. Netherlands 

   Annual Imports: 1.8 million bpd  

    Europe’s refining hub, sourcing from Russia, Africa, and the Middle East.  


8. France

   Annual Imports: 1.5 million bpd  

   Focuses on OPEC and African crude.  


9. Spain

   Annual Imports: 1.3 million bpd  

   Relies on Algeria, Nigeria, and Mexico.  


10. Italy

    Annual Imports: 1.2 million bpd  

    Imports Libya and Azerbaijani oil.  


2024 Crude Oil Market Trends

Geopolitical Shifts: Sanctions on Russian oil reroute global trade, boosting U.S. and Middle Eastern exports. 

 

OPEC+ Cuts: Production cuts (1.2 million bpd) tighten supply, pushing prices to $85–$95/barrel.  


Renewable Energy Push: EU and U.S. policies reduce long-term oil demand, but Asia’s growth offsets declines.  


Digital Trade Platforms: B2B portals like exportesworlds streamline crude oil transactions.  

How to Connect with Crude Oil Suppliers  

Global Crude Oil Suppliers List

 Saudi Aramco (Saudi Arabia): Largest exporter of Arab Light crude.  

 Rosneft (Russia): Discounted Urals crude amid sanctions.  

ExxonMobil (U.S.): Supplies light shale oil.  

 ADNOC (UAE): Murban crude gains popularity in Asia.  


B2B Platforms for Importers  

S&P Global Platts: Real-time pricing and supplier contacts.  

 IndiaMART: Connects Indian refiners with global sellers.  

 Alibaba Energy: Facilitates bulk crude oil deals.  


Import Regulations

 Licenses: Most countries require import licenses (e.g., India’s DGFT).  

Tariffs: U.S. imposes 2.5% crude oil tariff; EU exempts energy imports from sanctions.  


Future Outlook for Crude Oil Importers  


Asia Dominance: China and India to account for **60% of global demand growth** by 2030.  

Green Refining: Importers invest in low-carbon refineries to meet ESG standards.  

Strategic Reserves: Nations like Japan and South Korea stockpile crude to hedge supply risks.  

 

For businesses, staying updated on crude oil market trends and building relationships with global crude oil buyers is essential for long-term success.  


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