Introduction – China’s Oil Market: A Quantitative Overview
China isn’t just the world’s factory—it’s also a powerhouse in global oil exports. In 2025, China’s oil industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven by both domestic production growth and strategic export policies. With over 212 million metric tons of crude oil output in 2024 and an increase in clean oil product exports, China remains a vital player in the global oil supply chain.
For international buyers, this makes China a key market to watch. But with hundreds of suppliers and fluctuating global energy trends, choosing the right vendor requires more than a simple Google search. You need verified data, export performance metrics, and real-time demand signals. That’s where platforms like Freshdi shine—offering verified supplier data, RFQ trends, and dynamic rankings.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Let’s break down what the numbers say about China’s oil production and export performance in 2025:
Crude Oil Production on the Rise
- From January to April 2025, China produced 71.81 million metric tons of crude oil. That’s a 1.2% increase year-on-year.
- In April alone, production hit 17.72 million metric tons, up 1.5% from last year.
- In 2024, total annual production reached 212.82 million metric tons, showing a solid 1.8% growth from 2023.
Export Growth Surging
- March 2025 saw a massive 561.21% year-on-year increase in crude oil export volume, reaching 409,478.747 tons.
- China also allocated 12.8 million metric tons of clean oil product export quotas and 5.2 million metric tons for low-sulfur fuel oil (LSFO) in its second 2025 batch.
Market Demand Shifting
- According to the IEA, China’s oil demand will peak earlier than expected, hitting 16.9 million barrels/day in 2027.
- Fuel demand (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel) has plateaued at 8.1 million barrels/day in 2024.
- Growth is now driven by petrochemical feedstocks, which rose 5% in 2024.
Fuel Oil Production Dynamics
- March 2025: Fuel oil production dropped 1.7% YoY to 3.904 million metric tons.
- Q1 2025 cumulative output declined 9.8% YoY, totaling 10.84 million metric tons.
Export Challenges & Opportunities
- Export margins for gasoline and gasoil remain negative, but jet fuel margins have improved.
- With the rise of EVs and natural gas vehicles, domestic fuel demand is stabilizing, pushing refiners to look overseas.
Missing Destination Data
While we have detailed production and export numbers, specific export destinations aren’t clearly reported. This highlights the need for platforms like Freshdi, which help buyers trace where suppliers are shipping and how export dynamics are shifting.
Top 4 Verified Oil Suppliers in China – Leading Exporters by Volume
Based on supplier verification, export performance, and buyer feedback on Freshdi, here are the top 4 oil suppliers in China for 2025:
1. Shandong Best Harvest Intl Trade Co., Ltd.
Specializing in high-quality essential and sesame oils, this company boasts strong international reach and consistent export volumes. Buyers love their product purity, and the company holds multiple food-grade certifications.
2. Beijing Shipuller Co., Ltd.
Known for white sesame seed oil, this supplier has a stellar record for on-time shipments and excellent customer communication. Their products are popular across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
3. Xi’an HerbSpirit Technology Co., Ltd.
With a focus on ginger essential oils, this supplier combines traditional extraction methods with modern technology. They’re a favorite among buyers looking for aromatherapy and health-grade oils.
4. Dinayen Enterprise Management
Offering premium olive oil, this company serves markets in Europe and North America. Their traceability system ensures quality from harvest to export, making them a go-to vendor for food distributors.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Platforms like Freshdi offer dynamic supplier rankings based on real-time buyer interactions, RFQ volumes, and export activities. Keep an eye out for their “Suppliers of the Month” or “Quarterly Export Champions” to stay ahead of the curve.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Navigating the oil market isn’t just about choosing a supplier — it’s about timing, pricing, and demand forecasting.
1. Demand Patterns: What’s Hot in 2025?
- Petrochemical oils are in rising demand, especially with global plastic production recovering post-COVID.
- Sesame and olive oils are seeing consistent demand in the food and cosmetics industries.
- Ginger and aromatherapy oils are booming in wellness markets globally.
2. Seasonal Pricing Insights
- Prices for cooking oils, such as sesame and corn oil, typically rise during Q3 and Q4, aligned with festive seasons and colder weather.
- Essential oils often see a Q2 spike due to springtime demand in cosmetics and aromatherapy sectors.
3. Export Dynamics Across Regions
- Southeast Asia and Africa remain major importers of Chinese cooking oils.
- Europe and North America prefer cold-pressed and organic oils, often sourced from suppliers with eco-certifications.
By analyzing RFQ trends on platforms like Freshdi, buyers can anticipate demand cycles and optimize their procurement strategy.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
Let’s be real—sourcing oil from China in 2025 isn’t just about price anymore. It’s about data, trust, and timing.
China’s oil production and exports are growing steadily, but the real shift lies in what’s being exported and who is exporting it. The rise of petrochemical feedstocks, the plateau in transport fuel demand, and the shift toward specialty oils mean that buyers need to be more strategic than ever.
Using platforms like Freshdi, buyers can:
- Discover verified suppliers with credible track records.
- Track market demand trends via RFQ volumes.
- Access real-time pricing insights and export quotas updates.
✅ Buyer’s Checklist: Choosing the Right Oil Supplier in 2025
- [ ] Check supplier certifications (HACCP, ISO, Organic).
- [ ] Review Freshdi’s supplier performance metrics.
- [ ] Match product type with current demand trends (e.g., sesame, ginger, olive).
- [ ] Watch for seasonal price fluctuations.
- [ ] Look at export capabilities and shipping timelines.
Future Outlook – What’s Next for China’s Oil Export Market?
- Electric vehicles and sustainability will keep reshaping domestic oil consumption.
- Petrochemical growth will push exports of feedstock-grade oils.
- Emerging markets will increase demand for food and health-grade oils.
- AI-powered platforms like Freshdi will become essential for global buyers looking to stay competitive.
As the market evolves, staying informed and agile will be your biggest advantage.
FAQs
1. Why is China’s oil export volume increasing in 2025?
Due to plateauing domestic fuel demand and growing global needs for petrochemicals and specialty oils, China is redirecting its oil products toward international markets.
2. What types of oils are most in demand globally from Chinese suppliers?
Sesame oil, olive oil, ginger oil, and feedstock-grade oils for petrochemical industries are trending in 2025.
3. How can I verify if a Chinese oil supplier is reliable?
Use platforms like Freshdi to check certifications, export performance, and verified buyer reviews.
4. Are oil prices from China stable throughout the year?
Not really. Prices vary seasonally and based on global demand. Cooking oils often spike in Q3 and Q4, while essential oils see demand in spring and early summer.
5. Which platform is best for sourcing B2B oil suppliers in China?
Freshdi is a top choice. It offers verified suppliers, dynamic rankings, RFQ activity data, and trade insights tailored for serious buyers.
References
- Rogtec Magazine – China’s Oil Production Report
- Sinoimex – Export Growth Data
- Rigzone – IEA Demand Forecast
- Trading Economics – Crude Oil Production
- Statista – Oil Import Volumes
- IEA – Plateau of Fuel Demand
- Sunsirs – Fuel Oil Production
- S&P Global – Export Quota Policies
- Vitol – Demand Outlook
