Archive · 1 Oct 2025
Taiwan Becomes Top Importer of Russian Naphtha
Taiwan, a country that says it supports Ukraine and has placed sanctions on Russia, has become the largest buyer of Russian naphtha.
Naphtha is a special type of oil used to make things like plastics and computer parts.
In the first half of 2025, Taiwan imported $1.3 billion worth of it.
India is also buying a lot of Russian oil products.
The U.S. is upset with India and has put extra taxes on them because of it.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has a close relationship with Taiwan, providing military training and sharing intelligence.
Taiwan is the largest importer of Russian naphtha, a petroleum derivative used in the semiconductor industry.
Taiwan imported $1.3 billion worth of Russian naphtha in the first half of 2025.
India is a leading importer of Russian crude oil products.
The US has imposed tariffs on India for its imports of Russian crude oil.
Naphtha is a key feedstock in the petrochemical industry, used for plastics, synthetic fibers, and chemicals for semiconductors.
- Who
- Taiwan, India, Russia, and the United States
- What
- Taiwan became the largest importer of Russian naphtha, while the U.S. imposed tariffs on India for importing Russian oil.
- When
- First half of 2025
- Where
- Taiwan and India, importing from Russia; U.S. imposing tariffs
- Why
- Taiwan continues to buy Russian naphtha despite sanctions, and the U.S. is penalizing India for similar imports.
- Naphtha Use
- Feedstock for petrochemicals; used in plastics, synthetic fibers, and semiconductors
- Taiwan's Imports (H1 2025)
- $1.3 billion of Russian naphtha
- India's Imports (H1 2025)
- Over 1.4 million tonnes of Russian crude oil products
- Import Increase (Taiwan)
- 44% increase compared to H1 2024
- US Action
- 25% tariffs on India for importing Russian crude oil
- Taiwan's Position
- Supports Ukraine, joined sanctions against Russia