Our History in China
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ExxonMobil's history in China dates back to the 1890s. At that time, Standard
Oil, the predecessor of ExxonMobil, began
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marketing kerosene in China. Kerosene supplies were transported to China by
sailing vessels called clipper ships. In 1894, Standard Oil opened a sales
office in Shanghai, and during the next decade or so, sales offices were
opened in a number of other locations including Hong Kong, Yantai, Zhenjiang,
Wuhan, Chongqing and Tianjin.
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Shanghai Sales Office
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Kerosene found a ready market in home illumination, replacing vegetable oils.
In response to customer needs, Standard Oil developed small tin kerosene lamps
known as Mei Foo, or "beautiful and trustworthy. "The Mei Foo lamps were
supplied by the millions throughout the country.
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The lamps were either sold extremely cheaply at a few cents each, or given
away with the first case of kerosene. Customer response was tremendous.
Kerosene sales boomed, making China the company's largest market in Asia.
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Mei Foo Lamp
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Shanghai Standard Oil Service Station
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With the success of kerosene, Standard Oil expanded into gasoline, asphalt and
aviation supply businesses in China. Throughout much of the early 20th
century, Standard Oil maintained a strong position in helping provide for
China's energy needs.
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