Vietnam’s March imports stay lower

Vietnam’s base oils imports rose to a four-month high in March amid a seasonal pick-up in demand.

The size of the increase was low for the time of year.

Imports of 17,970t in March rose from 15,670t the previous month, provisional customs data showed.

The volume fell for a sixth month from year-earlier levels and held below average levels of more than 18,200t over the past year.

The country’s March imports typically exceed the average volume amid a seasonal rise in lube consumption.

Imports slowed as a drop in supplies from Singapore outpaced steadier flows from South Korea.