China needle coke imports shrink while exports surge in May

China's needle coke imports fell 32% month-on-month to 10,800 tonnes in May 2026, while exports surged 91.81% to 3,400 tonnes. The import decline was driven by a sharp drop in coal-based needle coke, as oil-based imports remained steady. Cumulative imports and exports in January-May both more than doubled year-on-year.

The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) data show China's needle coke imports totaled 10,800 tonnes in May 2026, down 32% from April, while exports reached 3,400 tonnes, up 91.81% month-on-month. Oil-based imports stood at 6,800 tonnes, down just 4.23%, while coal-based imports fell