China’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) exports rose sharply in July 2026, with almost the entire trade continuing to flow to Europe, highlighting the growing importance of the China-Europe SAF supply chain, ResourceWise reported.
China exported nearly 96,000 tonnes of SAF in July, around 70% higher than in June, according to a Prima CarbonZero analyst report. Europe absorbed the entire July volume.
The concentration has remained striking throughout 2026. From January to July, 99.97% of China’s SAF exports went to European markets, with only a marginal volume shipped elsewhere.
Belgium leads Chinese SAF imports
Belgium was the largest destination for Chinese SAF in July, accounting for approximately 63% of exports. The Netherlands received around 25%, while Spain accounted for about 11.5%.
Together, Belgium and the Netherlands took roughly 88.5% of China’s total SAF exports during the month.
No July shipments were recorded to the UK, France, Australia or other markets.
The growing export volumes indicate that Chinese producers are developing their ability to supply international SAF markets. However, the narrow destination base also highlights the sector’s dependence on European demand.
European mandate drives demand
Europe’s growing SAF requirements are providing a major demand driver. Under the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, fuel suppliers at covered EU airports were required to supply at least 2% SAF from 2025. The requirement rises to 6% in 2030, followed by further increases.
For Chinese producers able to meet European sustainability, greenhouse gas reduction, certification and traceability requirements, the region provides an expanding market for SAF.
However, regulatory compliance is becoming increasingly important as international SAF trade develops. The ability to produce fuel is no longer sufficient; exporters must also demonstrate that their feedstocks and production processes meet the requirements of destination markets.
Concentration creates opportunities and risks
Europe’s demand could support further expansion of Chinese SAF production and provide European buyers with additional supplies as blending mandates increase.
At the same time, the heavy concentration creates potential risks for Chinese exporters. Changes in feedstock eligibility, certification standards, pricing, trade policies or European procurement patterns could significantly affect export flows.
The concentration is particularly pronounced at the country level. Belgium alone accounted for nearly two-thirds of July shipments, while Belgium and the Netherlands together received almost nine out of every ten tonnes.
The direction of Chinese SAF exports to Europe will therefore remain an important market indicator as the global SAF industry expands through the remainder of 2026.
