U.S. Petroleum Exports

After two years of growth, overseas shipments of petroleum decreased by -3.4% to 186M tons in 2023. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2013 to 2023; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 7%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at 213M tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2023, the exports failed to regain momentum.

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In value terms, petroleum exports dropped significantly to $121B (IndexBox estimates) in 2023. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when exports increased by 57% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $144.8B, and then declined sharply in the following year.

Exports by Country

Mexico (50M tons) was the main destination for petroleum exports from the United States, accounting for a 27% share of total exports. Moreover, petroleum exports to Mexico exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Canada (18M tons), threefold. Brazil (8.8M tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 4.7% share.

From 2013 to 2023, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Mexico totaled +7.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Canada (-0.8% per year) and Brazil (+1.8% per year).

In value terms, Mexico ($36.8B) remains the key foreign market for petroleum exports from the United States, comprising 30% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Canada ($13.3B), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Chile, with a 4.8% share.

From 2013 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of value to Mexico stood at +6.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Canada (-0.8% per year) and Chile (+0.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the petroleum price amounted to $652 per ton (FOB, US), which is down by -13.6% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a mild contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 an increase of 51% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $754 per ton, and then reduced in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Peru ($815 per ton), while the average price for exports to India ($191 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to China (+1.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform