TOKYO: The United Arab Emirates emerged as the leading oil supplier to Japan in March 2025, delivering a substantial 32.48 million barrels of crude oil. This accounted for 41.4% of Japan’s total oil imports that month, as per Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy.
Out of 78.39 million barrels of oil imported by Japan in March, 96.9%—or 75.93 million barrels—originated from Arab countries, confirming the region’s continued importance to Japan’s energy security.
Coming in second, Saudi Arabia supplied 30.93 million barrels, making up 38.4% of Japan’s oil intake. Other Gulf nations contributed smaller but notable shares: Kuwait with 5.23 million barrels (6.7%), Qatar with 3.32 million barrels (5.0%), and Oman with 2.49 million barrels (3.2%).
Non-Arab suppliers made up a minor portion of Japan’s oil imports in March. The United States contributed just 1.8%, Ecuador 0.8%, Oceania 0.3%, and Southeast Asia 0.2%.
The data underlines the UAE’s strategic role in global energy markets and its growing significance as a stable and reliable supplier, particularly for energy-hungry nations like Japan. With shifting geopolitical dynamics and increasing energy demands, Japan’s reliance on Middle Eastern oil remains steady, with the UAE solidifying its place at the top.
As energy diversification becomes a global priority, the UAE’s consistent supply to Japan reaffirms strong bilateral ties and opens doors for deeper cooperation in energy transition and security in the future.
