The world’s largest crude oil exporters boosted their shipments to global markets in 2025, benefiting from increased production, while global imports saw weaker growth due to slowing economic activity and a deceleration in demand, particularly in Asia and Europe, according to an annual harvest report from an energy research unit.
The report stated that the average volume of global seaborne oil exports rose to 42.6 million barrels per day in 2025, compared to 40.8 million barrels per day in 2024. Exports for the year began below 40 million barrels per day in January before gradually increasing in the following months.
Saudi Arabia led the list of the largest exporters of seaborne crude with average exports of 6.09 million barrels per day, followed by Russia at 5.06 million barrels per day, then the United States at approximately 3.78 million barrels per day, Iraq at 3.35 million barrels per day, and the United Arab Emirates at 3.12 million barrels per day. Brazil followed at 2.08 million barrels per day, Iran at 1.66 million, Norway at 1.45 million, Kuwait at 1.40 million, and Nigeria at 1.34 million barrels per day.
Brazil recorded the largest increase among major producers, raising its exports by about 360,000 barrels per day, a 20% increase compared to 2024, driven by record-high production levels with the majority of shipments heading to China. Exports from Saudi Arabia and the UAE also increased by about 160,000 barrels per day each, as production constraints were eased under OPEC+ commitments.
In contrast, Russia’s seaborne exports, excluding shipments from Kazakhstan via the CPC terminal, maintained an average of 3.5 million barrels per day, with no significant impact felt from increasing Western sanctions on major Russian oil companies.
On the import side, the global average of imported oil rose to 41.95 million barrels per day, compared to 41 million barrels per day in 2024. China topped the list of the largest importers with an average of 10.28 million barrels per day, followed by India at 4.86 million barrels per day, then South Korea, the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France, and Singapore.
The report noted that China’s 1.5% increase in imports during the year reflects a build-up of commercial and strategic inventories more than actual consumption growth, against a backdrop of slowing global demand to around 835,000 barrels per day, compared to one million barrels per day in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a modern nation-state founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, unifying the regions of Najd and Hejaz. It is the birthplace of Islam, home to the religion’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, which have been central pilgrimage sites for over fourteen centuries. The country’s history and culture are deeply intertwined with its vast desert landscapes and its role as a global leader in oil production since the mid-20th century.
Russia
Russia is the world’s largest country by area, spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Its history is marked by the rise and fall of the Kievan Rus’, the Tsardom of Russia, the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and the modern Russian Federation established in 1991. It is renowned for its vast landscapes, rich cultural heritage in literature, music, and art, and its influential role in global geopolitics.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, with its modern government established by the Constitution in 1789. Its history encompasses westward expansion, the Civil War, industrialization, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is defined by its diverse cultural heritage, democratic ideals, and significant influence on global politics, economics, and culture.
Iraq
Iraq, historically known as Mesopotamia, is often called the “Cradle of Civilization” as it was home to ancient Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian empires, which pioneered writing, law, and urban development. Modern Iraq, established in the 20th century, is a country with a rich cultural heritage that includes significant archaeological sites like Babylon and Ur, though it has faced considerable conflict and political instability in recent decades.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula, formed in 1971 following the end of British protectorate treaties. Historically a region of pearl diving, fishing, and trade, it has transformed rapidly into a global hub of commerce, tourism, and innovation, known for modern landmarks like Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Brazil
Brazil is the largest country in South America, known for its vast Amazon rainforest and vibrant cultural exports like samba and football. Its modern history began with Portuguese colonization in 1500, leading to independence as an empire in 1822 and the establishment of a republic in 1889. Today, it is a diverse federal republic famed for its annual Carnival celebrations and dynamic cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
Iran
Iran, historically known as Persia, is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a rich history spanning thousands of years from the ancient Achaemenid Empire to the modern Islamic Republic established in 1979. Its cultural landscape is marked by significant sites like Persepolis, the magnificent ruins of a ceremonial capital from the 6th century BCE, and the stunning Islamic architecture of Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
Norway
Norway is a Nordic country in Northern Europe known for its dramatic fjords, Viking heritage, and modern prosperity. Its history includes the Viking Age (circa 800–1050 AD), a long union with Denmark and later Sweden, and full independence achieved in 1905. Today, it is a constitutional monarchy celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes and high standard of living.
Kuwait
Kuwait is a country on the Arabian Peninsula with a history centered around its strategic location as a trading port and pearl diving hub. It was founded in the early 18th century by clans from the Arabian interior and became a British protectorate in the late 19th century before gaining full independence in 1961. The nation’s modern identity and economy were transformed by the discovery of oil in the 1930s.
Nigeria
Nigeria is a West African country with a rich history shaped by ancient kingdoms like the Nri and Benin, British colonial rule, and independence in 1960. It is Africa’s most populous nation and a major cultural and economic hub, renowned for its diverse ethnic groups, vibrant arts, and significant global contributions in music and film.
China
China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, which reflect its long imperial past and profound cultural achievements. In the modern era, it has developed into a major global power with a unique blend of ancient traditions and rapid technological advancement.
India
India is a South Asian country with one of the world’s oldest civilizations, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization around 2500 BCE. Its long history includes the rise of major empires, the spread of religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, British colonial rule, and its emergence as an independent democratic republic in 1947.
South Korea
South Korea is a country in East Asia that emerged from the division of the Korean Peninsula after World War II, officially founding the Republic of Korea in 1948. It is known for its rapid economic development, vibrant pop culture (K-pop and K-dramas), and rich historical sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the ancient city of Gyeongju.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia with a rich cultural history spanning thousands of years, from its ancient Shinto traditions and imperial rule to the feudal samurai era and its rapid modernization following the Meiji Restoration. Today, it is known for its unique blend of deep traditional arts, such as tea ceremony and kabuki, with cutting-edge technology and global pop culture influence.
Netherlands
The Netherlands, historically known as Holland, is a country in Northwestern Europe whose modern history is deeply shaped by its 17th-century Golden Age, a period of immense maritime, trade, and artistic flourishing. Its landscape is famously characterized by extensive water management systems, including iconic windmills and polders, reclaimed from the sea over centuries. The country is also renowned for its liberal social policies and as the seat of international courts in The Hague.
Italy
Italy is a country in Southern Europe with a rich cultural history that dates back to the ancient Roman Empire, which was a foundational civilization for Western law, government, and engineering. It later became the epicenter of the Renaissance, a period of immense artistic and scientific flourishing, and today is renowned for its historic cities, artistic masterpieces, and culinary traditions.
Spain
Spain is a country in southwestern Europe with a rich and diverse cultural history shaped by Roman, Visigothic, and Moorish rule, particularly during the nearly 800-year period of Al-Andalus. It later became a global empire following the voyages of Christopher Columbus in 1492 and the unification of its kingdoms. Today, it is known for its distinct regional identities, vibrant festivals, and influential contributions to art, architecture, and literature.
France
France is a Western European country with a rich cultural and historical legacy, dating back to ancient Gaul and the Roman Empire. It became a major unified kingdom in the Middle Ages and was a central player in the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the development of modern republicanism. Today, it is renowned for its global influence in art, philosophy, cuisine, and fashion.
Singapore
Singapore is a modern city-state in Southeast Asia founded as a British trading colony in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles. It gained independence in 1965 and rapidly transformed into a global financial hub, known for its multicultural society, strict governance, and iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands.
Asia
Asia is the world’s largest and most populous continent, home to ancient civilizations like those in Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and China. Its history spans millennia, featuring the rise and fall of vast empires, the spread of major world religions, and profound developments in science, art, and governance. Today, it is a region of immense cultural, economic, and political diversity.
Europe
Europe is a continent with a rich and complex history, shaped by ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, the transformative periods of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, and the profound impacts of two World Wars. Culturally, it is renowned for its diverse array of artistic, architectural, and intellectual heritage, from medieval cathedrals to modern art movements. Its modern identity is largely defined by the political and economic integration of the European Union.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a Central Asian nation with a rich history shaped by the nomadic empires of the steppe, such as the Scythians and the Kazakh Khanate, which was established in the 15th century. It later became part of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union before declaring its independence in 1991. Today, it is known for its vast landscapes, modern capital Nur-Sultan (Astana), and the historic Silk Road city of Turkistan.
CPC terminal
The CPC Terminal, also known as the Communist Party of China’s Terminal, is not a widely recognized cultural or historical site. The term may refer to a specific location or facility, but without more precise context, its history and significance cannot be accurately summarized.
International Energy Agency
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1974 in response to the 1973 oil crisis, initially to coordinate measures for oil supply security. Today, it serves as a key global authority on energy data, analysis, and policy advice, focusing on energy security, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
