UAE Provides Close to 40% of Imported Oil to Japan in February
Japan's reliance on Middle Eastern oil, particularly from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has significantly increased in recent months. In June 2025, the UAE accounted for a record-breaking 52.1% of Japan's total crude oil imports, making it the country's top oil supplier for the month [1][2][3].
In June 2025, Japan imported over 31 million barrels of crude oil from the UAE. This is a substantial increase compared to earlier periods, and it underscores the growing reliance on the UAE as a primary supplier in the Middle East [1][2].
The Arab countries as a whole supplied approximately 97.7% (58.2 million barrels) of Japan’s crude oil imports in June 2025. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and others also contributed significant shares, underscoring Japan's heavy dependency on Middle Eastern energy sources [1][2][3].
Compared to earlier periods, this is a record share for the UAE in Japan’s energy mix, highlighting a growing reliance on the UAE as a primary supplier in the Middle East [1][2]. Despite Japan’s recognition of the need to diversify sources away from Middle Eastern crude (which comprised over 95% of imports in H1 2025), the UAE’s volume still rose 20.4% year-over-year in June, while Saudi imports declined in July 2025 [4].
This trend is not new. In February 2025, the UAE supplied 38.4% of Japan's total oil imports, amounting to 25.8 million barrels [4]. The high share of Japan's oil imports from Arab nations in February 2025 indicates deep regional partnerships.
Japan lacks significant domestic energy resources, and its energy security relies on stable oil flows from the Middle East. The ongoing oil trade between Japan and the UAE plays a significant role in the global energy market.
Despite global efforts to diversify energy sources and transition to renewables, Japan's oil import dependency on the Middle East, particularly the UAE, persists. This continued reliance on Middle Eastern oil imports is a current limitation in diversifying supply sources.
The geopolitical and market dynamics of Japan's energy strategy are closely linked to developments in the Gulf region. The evolving geopolitical and market dynamics in the Gulf region impact Japan's energy strategy.
In summary, since February 2025, Japan’s oil import share from the UAE has increased substantially, reaching a new peak by mid-2025, reinforcing the UAE's strategic importance to Japan’s energy security [1][2][3].
[1] Agency for Natural Resources and Energy under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. (February 2025). Oil import figures. [2] Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. (June 2025). Oil import data. [3] Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (June 2025). Crude oil imports report. [4] Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (July 2025). Oil import data.
- Japan's growing dependence on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for oil has sparked discussions about the need for economic development in other sectors, as the country's energy security remains closely tied to Middle Eastern oil supplies.
- The continuous rise in the UAE's share of Japan's crude oil imports has also raised concerns about environmental science, as the increased reliance on fossil fuels may hinder efforts to transition towards renewable energy sources.
- Amidst the persistent reliance on Middle Eastern oil, Japan's sports industry could potentially benefit from enhanced trade ties with the Gulf region, as partnerships could open doors for technological collaboration and increased commercial opportunities.
