Taiwan's Naphtha Imports from Russia Surge, Raising Security Concerns
Despite its stance against Russia's war in Ukraine and international sanctions, Taiwan has significantly increased its imports of Russian naphtha, a key feedstock for its petrochemical industry. This move has raised concerns about Taiwan's national security, given the strategic alliance between Russia and China.
Taiwan imported 1.9 million tonnes of Russian naphtha in the first half of 2025, a sharp increase from previous years. The average monthly purchases surged nearly six-fold from 2022 levels, reaching a total of $1.3 billion. Since 2022, Taiwan has spent over $4.9 billion on Russian naphtha. Unlike the US and EU, Taiwan has not restricted imports of Russian fossil fuel products.
A major Taiwanese petroleum company, Formosa Petrochemical, has sharply increased its reliance on Russian naphtha. Its refinery on Taiwan's west coast boosted its intake from 9% to 90% in the first half of 2025. Meanwhile, Taiwan's state-owned oil and gas company CPC stopped receiving Russian naphtha in June 2024. Taiwan's imports of Russian naphtha are now more than from any other country, posing a potential threat to its national security.
Taiwan's increased dependence on Russian naphtha, a critical component for its electronic components and semiconductor production, could have significant implications for its economy and national security. As the largest buyer worldwide, Taiwan must carefully consider the strategic and political implications of its energy imports.
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