Japan's Middle East crude oil imports in April plunged by 67.2%, while imports from the United States surged by 38.8%.

⑴ Trade data released on Thursday from Japan shows that the country's efforts to find alternative sources for oil imports are making progress. In April, Japan's oil imports from the Middle East plunged 67.2% year-on-year, while imports from the US surged by 38.8%. ⑵ Taro Saito, an economist at Nissei Basic Research Institute, stated that as a result, the share of the Middle East in Japan's crude oil imports by volume fell to 85.8% in April, down from 94.0% in 2025. "It is highly likely that diversification of future procurement sources will continue to move forward," he said.