China’s sharp cut in crude imports is easing pressure on oil prices, but its inventory cushion will eventually need replenishing.

China's seaborne crude oil imports are tracking at a decade low in May, dropping to roughly 6.5-7.5 million b/d as refiners drain onshore stockpiles.

Beijing has leaned on stockpiles, refinery cuts and export curbs instead of chasing replacement crude, helping cushion global markets from the supply shock.