Taiwan has become the largest global importer of Russian naphtha, despite supporting Ukraine, according to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. The country imported 1.9 million metric tonnes of the hydrocarbon liquid between January and June 2025, valued at $1.3 billion. This represents a significant increase, with monthly volumes averaging six times higher than in the same period three years ago.
Naphtha is primarily used in petrochemical and semiconductor production, making it a crucial component for Taiwan’s industries. Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Taiwan has imported 6.8 million tonnes of Russian naphtha worth $4.9 billion. In contrast, the country has contributed $50 million in aid to Ukraine.
The increase in imports from Russia has raised concerns among Taiwanese officials, particularly given China’s growing ties with Moscow. Beijing considers Taiwan an inalienable part of its territory, which has led to concerns about relying on a single country or company that may not recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty. Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Chen Kuan-ting emphasized the need for diversification, stating that Taiwan cannot rely on a single country or company, especially one that may be hostile to it.
The report also notes that some importers have paid above the G7-imposed $45-per-barrel cap on seaborne Russian naphtha, potentially exposing them to secondary sanctions. Private companies have driven most of the increase in imports, while state-owned firms have reduced their purchases since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. Formosa Petrochemical Corp, a key supplier to Taiwan’s chip industry, has been responsible for 96% of Russian naphtha imports between 2022 and mid-2025.
Taiwan’s heavy reliance on imports to meet its energy demand has been highlighted, with the country meeting 95% of its energy needs through imports in 2024. Other major buyers of Russian naphtha in June included India, China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Turkiye. The report’s findings have significant implications for Taiwan’s energy security and its relationship with Russia, and will likely be closely watched by officials and industry leaders in the coming months.
