Post by : Rameen Ariff

Taiwan has emerged as the world’s largest importer of Russian naphtha, a key petroleum product used in the petrochemical and semiconductor industries. Despite calling itself a strong ally of Ukraine and joining Western sanctions against Russia after the 2023 conflict, Taiwan imported Russian naphtha worth $1.3 billion in the first half of 2025. This represents a nearly sixfold increase compared to its 2022 monthly average and a 44% rise from the first half of 2024, according to a report by The Guardian and research from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

India also remains a significant importer of Russian naphtha, with over 1.4 million tonnes imported in the first half of 2025. However, New Delhi faces 25% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration due to its purchase of inexpensive Russian crude oil products.

Naphtha is a vital feedstock in the petrochemical industry, used to produce olefins and aromatics that are then transformed into plastics, synthetic resins, fibers, and chemicals for the semiconductor sector.

Taiwan continues to support Ukraine while also importing Russian naphtha, highlighting a balance between international alignment and domestic industrial needs. The island has implemented export controls to prevent high-tech equipment from reaching Russia’s military. Taiwan’s foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, recently signed an agreement in Poland to assist Ukrainian children affected by the conflict.

The US-Taiwan relationship is complex. Although the United States recognized Beijing in 1979, it maintains strong unofficial ties with Taipei under the Taiwan Relations Act. This allows military training, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic support through the American Institute in Taiwan. US President Joe Biden has expressed willingness to defend Taiwan in case of a Chinese attack, while the island continues to strengthen its own defense capabilities.

#world news #Global News