Chinese seaborne limestone exports rose sharply during the first five months of 2026 as disruption to Persian Gulf trade encouraged buyers to seek alternative supplies.
Vessel-tracking data from Greek shipbroker URSA indicate that China exported 1.89Mt of dry-bulk limestone between January and May, compared with 72,200t in the year-earlier period. Monthly volumes increased from 72,300t in January to a record 869,200t in May, with India receiving most of the cargoes.
The increase coincided with reduced availability from established Gulf suppliers. UAE limestone exports fell 29.6 per cent to 10.83Mt in the first quarter, while Omani shipments declined 43.8 per cent to 1.75Mt.
Limestone is used as a raw material in cement, lime and steel production.
