Divergence in global crude oil supply and demand data: Saudi exports decline while Japanese and South Korean imports increase

⑴ On the supply side, Saudi Arabia's crude oil production in August increased by 244,000 barrels per day compared to the previous month, but exports decreased by 552,000 barrels per day. Refinery processing increased by 175,000 barrels per day, indicating a higher internal consumption ratio. ⑵ Crude oil production and exports in the United States decreased by 216,000 barrels per day and 290,000 barrels per day, respectively, compared to the previous month, while refinery operations increased by 529,000 barrels per day. Germany's crude oil imports increased by 317,000 barrels per day, refinery processing also rose, and inventories declined. ⑶ On the demand side, performance diverged: Japan's crude oil imports surged by 826,000 barrels per day, with inventories increasing by 7.7 million barrels. South Korea's crude oil imports and refined oil demand remained generally stable, with refined oil inventories rising by 6.3 million barrels.