Asian Energy Trade Realigns as U.S. Exports to China and India Slide

Asian demand for U.S. energy is shifting unevenly as trade tensions reshape regional import patterns. While Japan and South Korea have stepped up purchases of U.S. crude, China has sharply cut back on imports of American crude and liquefied natural gas (LNG), having reportedly ceased LNG buying in February amid escalating trade frictions with Washington, according to Kpler data cited by Reuters. India has also pared its intake of U.S. LNG, limiting the region’s ability to fully offset lost Chinese and Indian demand. These developments add another layer of uncertainty to global crude benchmarks, including Oil – US Crude (WTI) and Oil – Brent Crude, as trade policy joins supply dynamics and macroeconomic concerns in influencing price direction.

Over the past month, both key oil contracts have moved lower, reflecting weaker risk sentiment and concerns over future demand. Oil – US Crude (WTI) is down about 7.09% over the last 30 days, while Oil – Brent Crude has declined roughly 7.16%, signaling sustained pressure across the complex. From a short-term technical perspective, each benchmark is currently flashing a bearish bias, with WTI showing a 1-day Sell indication and Brent likewise posting a 1-day Sell signal, suggesting that momentum remains tilted to the downside in the near term. Investors can explore more updates, prices, and analysis across global markets at Commodities.