Asia proves a growing draw for Gulf players
A newly formed joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Sinopec signals rising Gulf interest in the Asian market
The $4b capitalised Fujian Sinopec Aramco Refining & Petrochemical Company, which will have a capacity of 320,000b/d and be able to produce 2mt/yr of petrochemicals, is another statement of intent about Saudi Aramco’s aim to position itself at the centre of the world’s most vibrant markets. The Saudi state firm is eyeing other downstream projects with Chinese partners, with Sinopec and Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company looking into expanding petrochemicals output in Yanbu on the Kingdom’s west coast. Such deals represent a win-win for the Gulf player and its Chinese counterpart. “From China’s perspective, it helps meet continued import needs. In our base case, China remains a net i
Also in this section
8 December 2025
The Caribbean country’s role in the global oil market is significantly diminished, but disruptions caused by outright conflict would still have implications for US Gulf Coast refineries
5 December 2025
Mistaken assumptions around an oil bull run that never happened are a warning over the talk of a supply glut
4 December 2025
Time is running out for Lukoil and Rosneft to divest international assets that will be mostly rendered useless to them when the US sanctions deadline arrives in mid-December
3 December 2025
Aramco’s pursuit of $30b in US gas partnerships marks a strategic pivot. The US gains capital and certainty; Saudi Arabia gains access, flexibility and a new export future






