The Middle East is a major exporter of oil, and many countries around the world rely on this region for their energy needs. Some of the largest importers of oil from the Middle East include China, the United States, Japan, India, and South Korea.
Key Facts
- China: China is one of the largest importers of oil from the Middle East. In 2022, China imported a significant amount of crude oil from Saudi Arabia, which was its main supplier.
- United States: The United States imports crude oil and petroleum products from the Middle East to help meet domestic demand and supply international markets. While the United States has become a net exporter of petroleum, it still imports crude oil from countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
- Japan: Japan is another major importer of oil from the Middle East. It relies on countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar for its oil imports.
- India: India is heavily dependent on oil imports from the Middle East. It imports significant amounts of crude oil from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.
- South Korea: South Korea also imports a significant portion of its oil from the Middle East. It relies on countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates for its oil imports.
China
China is one of the largest importers of oil from the Middle East. In 2022, China imported nearly 87.5 million metric tons of crude oil from Saudi Arabia, which was its main supplier. Other major suppliers of crude oil to China from the Middle East include Iraq, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
United States
The United States is also a major importer of oil from the Middle East. In 2022, the United States imported about 6.28 million barrels per day (b/d) of crude oil from the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia being the largest supplier. Other major suppliers of crude oil to the United States from the Middle East include Iraq, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
Japan
Japan is another major importer of oil from the Middle East. In 2022, Japan imported about 2.6 million b/d of crude oil from the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia being the largest supplier. Other major suppliers of crude oil to Japan from the Middle East include the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
India
India is heavily dependent on oil imports from the Middle East. In 2022, India imported about 4.2 million b/d of crude oil from the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia being the largest supplier. Other major suppliers of crude oil to India from the Middle East include Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.
South Korea
South Korea also imports a significant portion of its oil from the Middle East. In 2022, South Korea imported about 2.3 million b/d of crude oil from the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia being the largest supplier. Other major suppliers of crude oil to South Korea from the Middle East include Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Sources:
- U.S. Energy Information Administration – Oil and petroleum products explained
- Statista – Main suppliers of crude oil to China in 2012 and 2022 (in million metric tons)
- Alternative Fuels Data Center: Maps and Data – U.S. Crude Oil Imports by Country of Origin
FAQs
Which countries are the largest importers of oil from the Middle East?
China, the United States, Japan, India, and South Korea are the largest importers of oil from the Middle East.
Which country is the largest supplier of oil to China from the Middle East?
Saudi Arabia is the largest supplier of oil to China from the Middle East.
Which country is the largest supplier of oil to the United States from the Middle East?
Saudi Arabia is the largest supplier of oil to the United States from the Middle East.
Which country is the largest supplier of oil to Japan from the Middle East?
Saudi Arabia is the largest supplier of oil to Japan from the Middle East.
Which country is the largest supplier of oil to India from the Middle East?
Saudi Arabia is the largest supplier of oil to India from the Middle East.
Which country is the largest supplier of oil to South Korea from the Middle East?
Saudi Arabia is the largest supplier of oil to South Korea from the Middle East.
Why do these countries import oil from the Middle East?
These countries import oil from the Middle East because they do not have sufficient domestic oil production to meet their energy needs.
What are the implications of this reliance on Middle Eastern oil?
The reliance on Middle Eastern oil can have implications for energy security, economic stability, and geopolitical relations.