Taiwan has become a significant importer of Russian naphtha since the start of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with shipments refined locally and turned into petrochemical products for export, according to a report released Wednesday (Oct. 1) by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the Earth Rights Foundation (ERF), and Urgewald.

The report found that Taiwan imported billions of dollars’ worth of Russian naphtha between 2022 and 2025, with purchases accelerating in 2024. Unlike liquefied natural gas or coal, naphtha is a petroleum product used as feedstock in Taiwan’s petrochemical sector. It is processed into chemicals that form the base for plastics, solvents, and other materials, many of which are exported abroad.

These naphtha derivatives are also critical inputs for Taiwan’s downstream industries, including printed circuit boards (PCBs) and semiconductors. As the report notes, Taiwan’s position in global electronics supply chains means that Russian-origin fossil feedstock, once refined and re-exported, can be embedded in high-value technology products.

CREA, ERF, and Urgewald said this practice effectively turns Taiwan into a re-export hub for Russian fossil fuels, undermining international efforts to curb the Kremlin’s revenues. The groups urged Taipei to strengthen transparency in sourcing and reduce its reliance on fossil feedstocks by investing in renewable and alternative materials.

The findings highlight how discounted Russian oil products continue to find markets in Asia despite Western sanctions, and how Taiwan’s industrial demand has helped sustain flows of Russian naphtha into global supply chains.