China October methanol imports fall to 349,700 tons on Strait blockades and maintenance

1. Import and Export Data Overview

Data Source: Customs, Chempricehub Information

In October 2026, the final actual volume of methanol imported to China via ocean vessels was 349,700 tons (counted upon berthing, excluding Russian overland transport). This represents a decrease of 111,000 tons compared to the previous month’s customs import figure (460,700 tons, which included Russian overland transport). Since July, Russian overland transport volumes have shown a clear increase.

Data Source: Customs, Chempricehub Information

The estimated methanol export volume from China in October 2026 is approximately 42,400 tons. This marks a decrease of 64,300 tons compared to the previous month’s customs export volume (106,700 tons), representing a decline of 60.26%.

2. Influencing Factors

• Imports: The blockade of the Strait has made it difficult for cargo within the Persian Gulf to depart. Additionally, major overseas units are undergoing maintenance, and higher international prices have led to reduced planned shipments to China. These factors combined have caused import volumes to fall back to low levels.
• Exports: Weakening overseas demand has resulted in a significant contraction in export transaction volumes.

3. Import and Export Structure

Monthly statistics on China's methanol imports by country of origin/production (Ocean vessel estimates for October)

Data Source: Chempricehub Information

4. Trend Forecast

The estimated unloading volume for methanol ship cargoes in October is 349,700 tons. Within this period, 186,000 tons were unloaded from the main Middle Eastern regions, while 163,700 tons came from non-Iranian sources. Due to the continued blockade of the Strait, very few ship cargoes have been dispatched. It is reported that only 120,000–160,000 tons may have been shipped from the main Middle Eastern regions in October (part of which was already unloaded in October). However, arrivals from non-Iranian sources in November are expected to rebound significantly. Consequently, the total import volume for November is projected to recover month-on-month from October, reaching approximately 479,900 tons. Of this, supply from the main Middle Eastern regions is estimated at 97,000 tons, while non-Iranian supply is estimated at approximately 382,900 tons. Market participants should closely monitor developments in US-Iran negotiations over the next two days and their impact on the Strait. (Note: Affected by multiple port-related factors, vessel arrival times may vary; therefore, actual port receipt volumes shall be based on final terminal data.)