U.S. Crude Exports Decline As Markets Shift

Energy shifts influence diesel and fertilizer costs.

Aerial view of the front of a large crude oil tanker ship at sea_Photo by teamjackson via Adobe Stock_1536993330.jpg

Photo by teamjackson via Adobe Stock

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Annual U.S. crude oil exports fell in 2025 for the first time since 2021, reflecting shifting global demand patterns and changes in domestic utilization, according to the Energy Information Administration.

U.S. crude exports averaged about 4.0 million barrels per day in 2025, down 3 percent from 2024, with declines concentrated in Europe and the Asia-Oceania region. Exports to Europe dropped about 7 percent as increased OPEC output displaced U.S. barrels, while shipments to Singapore and China fell sharply, continuing a two-year slide in Chinese purchases.

Despite lower exports, overall U.S. net crude imports declined to roughly 2.2 million barrels per day, with imports falling even more. EIA notes domestic production rose 3 percent to a record 13.6 million barrels per day, with more supply flowing into stock builds, including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and U.S. refineries.

Regionally, some destinations increased purchases, with the Netherlands, India, and Japan importing more U.S. crude and Nigeria boosting imports as its Dangote refinery ramped toward full capacity.

Looking ahead, export trends will depend on shifts in global supply, refinery demand, and evolving trade flows.

Related Stories
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Ryan Norris talks energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the role of critical minerals in supporting rural America.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.
Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska joined us with the latest on efforts to secure year-round E15 sales.
Rural population growth and stabilizing economic indicators point to post-pandemic recovery, but uneven income, shifting industries, and regional divides remain key challenges for rural communities.
Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Structural efficiency supports cattle prices and resilience — breaking it risks higher costs and greater volatility.
Strong pork demand and improving beef exports outside China support protein markets despite ongoing trade barriers.
Logistics capacity remains available, but winter volatility favors flexible delivery and marketing plans. NGFA President Mike Seyfert provides insight into grain transportation trends, trade policy, and priorities for the year ahead.
Rising adoption of GLP-1 drugs may gradually reshape food demand, with potential downstream effects on protein markets and consumer purchasing patterns.
Leadership development and bipartisan engagement remain central to advancing agriculture’s priorities in 2026.
Winter Weather, Drought Shape Early 2026 Farm Conditions