【Petroleum Coke】April Petroleum Coke Imports Fell 12% Month-on-Month, but ...

【Petroleum Coke】April Petroleum Coke Imports Fell 12% Month-on-Month, but Still Remained at a High Level of 1.24 Million Tons

Ⅰ. Overview of Import Data

Figure 1 Comparison of Petroleum Coke Import Data Trends from 2025 to 2026
(Unit: 10,000 Tons, USD/Ton)

Source: General Administration of Customs

In April 2026, China's imports of uncalcined petroleum coke reached 1.2437 million tons, down 178,700 tons month-on-month, a decrease of 12.36%, and down 579,400 tons year-on-year, a decline of 31.78%. The average import price of petroleum coke was USD 244.62/ton, up USD 1.77/ton month-on-month, an increase of 0.73%.

Among them, imports from the United States ranked first at 481,600 tons, with an average import price of USD 180.59/ton. From January to April, cumulative imports totaled 5.7561 million tons, an increase of 413,700 tons year-on-year, up 17.28%.

Ⅱ. Overview of Export Data

Figure 2 Comparison of Petroleum Coke Export Data Trends from 2025 to 2026
(Unit: 10,000 Tons, USD/Ton)

Source: General Administration of Customs

In April 2026, China's exports of uncalcined petroleum coke totaled 11,900 tons, down 13,100 tons month-on-month, a decrease of 52.38%, and down 1,200 tons year-on-year, a decline of 9.13%. The average export price was USD 686.33/ton, up USD 159.47/ton month-on-month, an increase of 30.27%.

Among export destinations, Indonesia ranked first with export volume of 7,300 tons and an average export price of USD 753.28/ton. From January to April, cumulative petroleum coke exports reached 68,600 tons, an increase of 32,400 tons year-on-year, up 89.28%.

Imports: In April, China's petroleum coke import market was affected by international relations, leading to a decline in import volumes. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz caused overseas transportation difficulties and increased logistics costs, prompting trading companies to reduce imports. Meanwhile, domestic port inventories remained at high levels, with previously imported cargoes continuing to arrive, resulting in sufficient import resources.

Exports: In April, China's petroleum coke export volume increased significantly compared with March. Affected by changes in the international environment, overseas trade faced obstacles, and domestic petroleum coke exports mainly relied on long-term agreements between trading companies.

Ⅲ. Trend Forecast

In May 2026, petroleum coke imports are expected to reach 1.05 million tons, while exports are projected at 10,000 tons. International conditions are still expected to remain unstable in May, and logistics transportation disruptions may continue, leading to a further decline in both import and export volumes.

However, increased arrivals of Russian petroleum coke cargoes will help support import resources, limiting the decline to a relatively small range. Domestic petroleum coke market trading activity has weakened slightly, but the decline remains limited. In addition, maintenance shutdowns and production cuts at domestic refineries are increasing, while import trade still maintains profit margins. Therefore, import volumes are expected to remain above 1 million tons.

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