"Taiwan has become the world's biggest importer of Russian naphtha, a petroleum derivative used to make chemicals needed for the semiconductor industry, despite the fact that it has joined other sanctions against Russia and considers itself an ally of Ukraine. In the first half of 2025, Taiwan imported $1.3bn worth of Russian naphtha, and average monthly imports reached a level nearly six times higher than the 2022 average, according to a report published on Wednesday."
"But Moscow's ability to continue with the war is funded in part by energy exports, with billions of dollars coming from Taiwan. Since February 2022, Taiwan has imported 6.8m tonnes of Russian naphtha, worth $4.9bn, which is equal to 20% of Russia's total exports of the petroleum product. Naphtha is a crude oil product that is used to make chemicals required for manufacturing semiconductors, electronic components that are the backbone of Taiwan's economy and which are vital for global industry."
Taiwan imported $1.3bn worth of Russian naphtha in the first half of 2025, with average monthly imports nearly six times the 2022 average and a 44% rise from H1 2024. Since February 2022 Taiwan has imported 6.8m tonnes of Russian naphtha, valued at $4.9bn, equal to 20% of Russia's total exports of the product. Naphtha is used to make chemicals required for semiconductor manufacturing, a core element of Taiwan's economy. Taiwan has joined sanctions and imposed export controls on hi-tech equipment, but has not restricted purchases of Russian fossil fuels. Energy exports from Russia continue to partially fund Moscow's war in Ukraine, with billions flowing from these sales.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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