Long term US-China decoupling will hit US energy sales

Subject

Impact of the US-China tariffs on the energy market.

Significance

Global trade is slowing, and the US-China trade tariffs are exacerbating the slowdown. US oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters are finding alternative markets, but competitive pressures are likely to rise as both oil and LNG markets face oversupply. The tariffs on goods imported to the United States are also raising costs for the renewable and non-renewable sectors.

Impacts

• US LNG producers could struggle to place cargoes as European gas storage approaches capacity.
• The large number of US offshore wind projects underway may be held back because the US-China tariffs are increasing project costs.
• Weak world trade and GDP growth is capping energy demand, offsetting supply worries and curbing oil price gains.