As China ramped up its crude imports in 2020, the UAE benefitted more than most. Supplies of Emirati crude to the world’s largest oil importer soared last year, driven primarily by Abu Dhabi’s medium-sour offshore Upper Zakum grade.

Chinese customs data show that imports from the UAE more than doubled in 2020 to a record 642,000 b/d. As a result, the UAE overtook nearby Kuwait to become China’s seventh largest supplier of crude and condensate (MEES, 22 January). (CONTINUED - 752 WORDS)