Japan imported 1.358mn b/d from Saudi Arabia in January, a 14-month high. This puts Japan marginally ahead of China as Saudi Arabia’s largest customer for the month (MEES, 1 March). At least this is the case in terms of volume. For Japan, which publishes data on a volumetric basis, imports from Saudi Arabia are skewed towards lighter (less dense) grades: January imports included a record 681,400 b/d of Arab Extra Light. In tons terms, Japan’s imports equate to somewhat less than the 5.761mn tons that China took from Saudi Arabia in January.
January’s imports included a record 67,300 b/d from Bahrain. Average imports from Bahrain of 55,000 b/d for the past 10 months suggest that Japan is Bahrain’s top customer given Bahrain’s overall crude exports of around 150,000 b/d. (CONTINUED - 204 WORDS)