This paper studied the energy international trade pattern based on complex network. According to the
international energy trade data which include crude oil, coal and natural gas data published by UN COMTRADE
(The United Nations Statistics Division) from 1996 to 2012, with the state as the node and the energy flows of
trade for the side, this article constructed directed energy international trade complex network with out-weighted
edges. This article calculated such complex network properties as node degree, network structure entropy,
average clustering coefficient, and average nearest neighbor degree of the energy international trade complex
network. Based on these characteristics, this article analyzed the degree distribution, heterogeneity, clustering,
and vertex intensity correlation of the energy international trade complex network from 1996 to 2012.
We find that countries increased tightness and strengthened interdependence when they carry out the
international energy trade. Transportation costs and customs tax, etc. will not have much impact on the import
and export of fossil fuels. It will be more frequently trading with each other among countries’ partner who have
smaller population or lower economic strength. Small countries tend to make energy trade relations with regional
hubs in local area. Global trading countries have a lot of partners around the world. If these countries occur
energy war or crisis and other issues, it is likely to spread to other countries, so that the global fossil energy trade
will be affected.