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
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney outlines the Trump Administration’s current trade priorities and what meaningful market expansion looks like for farmers.
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey was in Mission, Texas, where state and federal officials addressed growers and producers at a round table event hosted at a citrus grower’s facility. He shows us how welcome news was all around.

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:

Higher ethanol blend rates translate directly into stronger, more durable corn demand if regulatory momentum holds.
Long-term demand uncertainty is reshaping specialty crop strategies as producers adapt to fewer, older consumers.
Seasonal boxed beef softness does not change the tight-supply outlook — leverage remains closer to the farm gate heading into 2026.
Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.
Strong export demand supports feed grain prices, but drought risk and seasonal patterns favor disciplined early-year marketing.
Corn export strength remains a key demand anchor, while China’s continued involvement in soybeans and sorghum bears close watching for price direction.