Taiwan, Ukraine ally, is biggest importer of Russian crude oil product
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Some Western analysts say that Taiwan's increasing dependence on Russian energy "undermines Taiwan’s credibility with democratic allies."
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A Taiwan national flag flutters near the Taipei 101 building at the National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan, February 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
Taiwan has overtaken other nations to become the largest global importer of Russian naphtha, a crude oil derivative essential for producing chemicals used in the semiconductor sector. This development comes despite Taiwan's declared alliance with Ukraine and its participation in sanctions against Moscow.
Between January and June 2025, Taiwan imported $1.3 billion worth of Russian naphtha, marking a 44% increase from the same period in 2024. Monthly imports have reached levels nearly six times higher than the 2022 average, according to a report released Wednesday by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, in collaboration with NGOs from Europe, Russia, and Taiwan.
Naphtha plays a vital role in Taiwan's economy, especially in the semiconductor and electronics industries that are central to the island's global trade presence.
Since February 2022, Taiwan has imported 6.8 million tonnes of Russian naphtha valued at $4.9 billion, equivalent to 20% of Russia's total naphtha exports.
Sanctions vs energy needs
Although Taiwan joined international sanctions following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, it has not placed restrictions on the import of Russian fossil fuels, and the island continues to express diplomatic support for Ukraine. Just recently, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung signed an agreement in Poland to assist Ukrainian children affected by the conflict.
Joseph Webster, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, noted to The Guardian that Taiwan's continued naphtha imports are "not immaterial to the Kremlin’s revenues," highlighting the contradiction between sanctions rhetoric and energy trade practices.
Despite aligning with Western powers on sanctions and export controls meant to curb Moscow's military capabilities, Taiwan's energy purchases indirectly contribute to Russia's war economy. Analysts view the situation as a reflection of Taiwan's strategic vulnerability due to its heavy reliance on energy imports, which account for about 97% of its total energy consumption.
Geopolitical implications of energy trade
The island's energy dependence is seen as a critical liability in the case of regional conflict. Taiwan's leaders have invested in civil defense initiatives, motivated partly by the geopolitical lessons from the Ukraine war.
There are concerns that Moscow's alignment with Beijing might extend to military cooperation if tensions around Taiwan escalate. Still, some experts urge caution against over-interpreting Taiwan's energy strategy.
Speaking to The Guardian, Hsin Hsuan Sun, director at the Environmental Rights Foundation and co-author of the report, warned that Taiwan's increasing dependence on Russian energy "undermines Taiwan’s credibility with democratic allies" and poses long-term strategic risks.
