China imported crude oil to a three-month high in July, as delayed Persian Gulf cargoes arrived at Chinese ports, official customs data showed Friday. According to the General Administration of Customs (GAC), China's crude oil imports reached 35.73 million metric tons in July, which is equivalent to approximately 8.45 million barrels per day. During the second quarter of 2026, imports averaged 8.1 million barrels per day, down 32% from the previous quarter. Outlook Remains UncertainDespite July's rebound, analysts do not expect China's crude imports to continue rising unless shipping conditions in the Strait of Hormuz improve significantly. "China's crude imports are now the market's key price-sensitive variable," said Liao Na, founder of Guangzhou-based GL Consulting, to S&P Global Commodity Insights.