China May methanol imports may hit decade low, accelerating inventory drawdown

According to OilChem, import supply could fall below 400,000 tonnes, while strong exports may drive inventories down to around 800,000 tonnes by late April. Tight supply from Iran's shutdowns and blocked Middle East routes, alongside robust export profits, support prices despite squeezed downstream margins. The Strait navigation situation remains the core factor to watch.

Based on OilChem data, China's methanol import supply in May may fall below 400,000 tonnes, which would be the lowest monthly level in a decade. Despite shrinking downstream profits, the trend of accelerated drawdown in coastal inventories is expected to continue, driven by tight supply and strong exports. Iranian plants