Kuwait''s crude oil exports to China jump to 6-month high

Kuwait's crude oil exports to China grew 17.4 percent in January from a year earlier to mark a six-month high of 1.09 million tons, equivalent to around 258,000 barrels per day (bpd), for the third straight month of gain, latest official data showed. The figure was the highest since July, when Kuwait's crude shipments to the world's second-biggest energy consumer reached 1.10 million tons (261,000 bpd), according to the General Administration of Customs. Kuwaiti share of Chinese crude oil imports was 4.3 percent last month, compared to 4.0 percent the year before. China's overall imports of crude oil in January rose 7.4 percent year-on-year to 5.95 million bpd for the highest level in eight months on the back of the country's economic recovery. Saudi Arabia remained China's top supplier with its shipments advancing 15. 7 percent from a year earlier to 1.32 million bpd, followed by Angola with 864, 000 bpd, up 31.2 percent. Iraq became third, with imports from the country surging 74.4 percent to 657,000 bpd. Since the establishment of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) Beijing Representative Office in 2005, Chinese refiners have significantly increased crude purchase from Kuwait. The Beijing office has also successfully developed new outlets for KPC products in China.