American oil loses Chinese market amid trade disputes

The escalation of the trade war between China and the United States has jeopardized further supplies of American oil to the Chinese market. Experts believe that in the near future, the export of crude oil from the United States to China may almost completely cease due to the worsening conflict between the two largest economies in the world.

At the same time, American oil accounts for only a small share of China's imports. According to the analytical company Vortexa Ltd., at the beginning of 2025, it accounted for only about 1% of the total volume of oil imports to China. However, the cessation of these supplies symbolizes the general deterioration of economic relations between Beijing and Washington.

The escalation began in April, when Donald Trump imposed duties on imports of goods with a base rate of 10%. Tariffs were higher for some countries based on their contribution to the US trade deficit. In response, China has consistently increased its duties from 34% to 104%. In response, Washington raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, justifying this as «disrespect» on the part of Beijing.