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UAE Accounts for Almost Four Out of Ten Oil Imports Received by Japan in February

Japan procured 25.8 million barrels of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates in February 2025, comprising a significant 38.4% of its total oil imports for that month, as per data from the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, a department under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

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United Arab Emirates Accounts for Almost Four in Ten Oil Imports Sold to Japan in February
United Arab Emirates Accounts for Almost Four in Ten Oil Imports Sold to Japan in February

UAE Accounts for Almost Four Out of Ten Oil Imports Received by Japan in February

In February 2025, Japan's oil imports continued to be heavily reliant on the Middle East, with approximately 97.7% of the crude oil coming from Arab oil producers. This figure, released by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, underscores the depth of regional partnerships and Japan's heavy reliance on Arab oil.

The UAE, in particular, supplied 38.4% of Japan's total oil imports in February, amounting to 25.8 million barrels. Saudi Arabia also played a significant role, supplying approximately 65.48 million barrels, or around 97.3% of Japan's oil imports for the month.

Despite some efforts to diversify by buying more oil from the US amid bilateral trade talks, Japanese refiners face logistical challenges, such as longer transport times, refinery compatibility, and shipping route constraints, which limit large-scale imports from the US Gulf Coast. As a result, Japan continues to source the vast majority of its crude oil from Middle Eastern producers.

The data from February 2025 does not indicate any significant changes in Japan's oil import patterns from the UAE or Arab oil producers beyond what was previously reported. The Middle East remains the dominant supplier due to geographic, logistical, and refinery adaptation reasons.

Japan's energy strategy remains closely linked to developments in the Gulf region. The ongoing trend of heavy reliance on oil imports from the Middle East persists amid global efforts to diversify energy sources and transition to renewables. The strategic importance of the Middle East, particularly the UAE, in meeting Japan's energy needs continues to be underscored by the data.

Japan's energy security is a critical concern in its energy strategy. The current limitations in diversifying Japan's supply sources are illustrated by the high share of imports from Arab nations in February 2025. The evolving geopolitical and market dynamics play a crucial role in Japan's energy strategy, and the UAE-Japan energy ties are reinforced by the data.

In February 2025, Japan imported a total of 67.3 million barrels of oil, with the majority coming from the Middle East. Despite some efforts to diversify, Japan continues to depend on stable oil flows from the Middle East for its energy security. The figures highlight the continuing strategic importance of the Middle East, particularly the UAE, in meeting Japan's energy needs.

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