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Crude Oil Import Export Data and Analysis

A world without crude oil would be no world at all. This highly valuable commodity runs factories, powers cities with electricity, and makes cars, buses, and other modes of transport. Crude oil affects and is affected by the geopolitical maneuverings of countries that buy or sell a lot of oil. Crude oil import export data tells us how oil-producing countries control prices by adjusting supply.    

In recent weeks, crude oil prices surged as several producers announced production cuts. The Russia-Ukraine war has had a great impact on crude oil prices. Over the past year, shortages propelled by sanctions and supply chain blockages have been the subject of much debate.

The development of the world since the industrial revolution has been made possible by the discovery of enormous oil reserves in various parts of the world. The countries that have had easy access to oil reserves and the means to exploit it have generally fared well on the scale of development. Learn more at The Trade Vision.    

Crude Oil: Commodity Overview

Ancient records have verified that crude oil has been used as a fuel source in one form or another for several millennia. Today, oil powers everything we know. The commodity’s price is measured by the benchmarks of Brent Crude (for Africa, Europe, and the Middle East) and WTI Crude (for North America).

Crude oil is a fossil fuel and one of the primary contributors to climate change. Not only the combustion, but the production too is energy intensive and emits significant qualities of greenhouse gases. Oil spills and leaks also affect biodiversities and lead to the destruction of marine life.

Crude Oil Export Analysis

Middle-eastern countries have dominated oil production in recent years and have seen significant economic growth as a result. Besides, Russia is also one of the top exporters of crude oil. Although the supply has been severely impacted due to the war in Ukraine. The reduced supply has adversely affected energy prices in Europe. Other export areas include Africa and South America. Crude petroleum is the world’s top-traded commodity. The cumulative trade volume stood at $951 billion in 2021, almost a 50% jump from a year before.

Crude Oil: Top Exporters

1. Saudi Arabia ($138 billion)

2. Russia ($113 billion)

3. Canada ($81.2 billion)

4. Iraq ($72 billion)

5. United States ($67.6 billion)   

Crude Oil Import Analysis

Developing countries in Southeast Asia and South America are showing an increased appetite for crude oil. But the leaders of development, China and the United States dominate the charts when it comes to the import bill’s size. Although several countries have made ardent climate commitments, few actually focus on building systems that can be useful in the long term and reduce dependence on imported crude oil.

Crude Oil: Top Importers

1. China ($208 billion)

2. United States ($120 billion)

3. India ($93.5 billion)

4. South Korea ($60.6 billion)

5. Japan ($54.9 billion)

Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report notes that reduction in the use of fossil fuels is key to keeping climate change under control. The nations that produce oil must chart a way to economic growth that doesn’t depend on fossil fuels. While purchasing countries must invest in renewable energy sources that are much less carbon-intensive.

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