The impact of the Iranian conflict that began February 28, 2026 was evident in China’s methanol imports in March.

China is the world’s largest methanol importer, buying 14.4 million tons in 2025. Volumes from both Oman and UAE, which China shows as two of it’s top suppliers, fell to zero in March.

According to ADNOC the UAE is planning to build new methanol capacity but does not currently produce it. Most, if not all, of the methanol shown by China as imports from UAE is likely from Iran.

Average prices on methanol imports climbed. Imports into China from Saudi Arabia averaged $246/ton in January; $269/ton in February; $275/ton in March.

From International Trader Publication’s Methanol World Trade Analysis, a continuously updated analysis of global methanol trade, based on latest statistics from all available countries,