China's May commodity trade reveals price is key to its resource imports. Crude oil imports hit an eight-year low due to high prices. Copper imports also fell as prices rose. Conversely, China boosted aluminium exports amid higher global prices. Coal imports declined as prices increased. These shifts highlight China's response to market price fluctuations.

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

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