Iraq’s oil exports to the U.S. markets declined sharply last week, according to the latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) report. Baghdad shipped an average of 140,000 barrels per day (bpd) to the United States. This marked a significant drop from the previous week’s 270,000 bpd. The decline represents a 48% decrease in Iraqi crude deliveries.
Overall, total U.S. crude imports from the top ten suppliers also fell slightly. Last week, the United States imported about 5.84 million bpd, down from 5.889 million bpd the week before. Canada maintained its position as the leading supplier with 3.801 million bpd. Saudi Arabia followed with 629,000 bpd. Colombia delivered 416,000 bpd, while Mexico shipped 398,000 bpd.
Other contributors included Venezuela at 194,000 bpd and Ecuador at 103,000 bpd. Nigeria supplied 84,000 bpd, Brazil 73,000 bpd, and Libya only 2,000 bpd. These shifts illustrate how minor fluctuations in one country’s exports can affect overall US crude supply.
Experts link the drop in Iraq’s oil exports to the U.S. to disruptions in Middle Eastern shipping routes. Conflicts and regional tensions have limited oil flows through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This chokepoint typically handles a large portion of Iraq’s crude exports.
In response, Iraq has been rerouting some shipments via northern pipelines and overland routes. These efforts aim to maintain export volumes despite maritime challenges. Meanwhile, U.S. refineries that rely on heavy crude, like Basrah Light, have increased purchases from Canada and Latin America.
Although Iraqi shipments fell, total U.S. crude inventories remain stable. Weekly data show a modest decrease in net imports but a slight inventory build. Market analysts note that this maintains relative supply stability while prices remain sensitive to global disruptions.
The latest EIA report emphasizes that Iraq’s oil exports to the U.S. are entering a softer phase. This trend is reshaping American crude import patterns and signaling continued global energy market pressures.
