In this special edition of Current Accounts, the Hinrich Foundation’s podcast on global trade, Patrícia Vasconcellos from the US Association of Foreign Press Correspondents and Robert York, Director of Regional Affairs at the think tank Pacific Forum, delve into how shifting oil trade dynamics are fueling global fragmentation.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the West imposed stringent sanctions on Russia to cripple its oil exports and economy. Despite these efforts, Russian oil shipments have remained resilient, mainly due to new buyers entering the market.
Russia has surpassed Saudi Arabia as the primary oil supplier to China. This shift in the global oil markets, driven by falling oil prices and Western sanctions, has significantly influenced global trade dynamics. While the European Union’s reduced dependence on Russian oil is seen as a positive outcome, the increase in oil imports by India pose a challenge, as the US is concerned about strengthening trade ties between India and Russia.
In response to Western economic pressures, Russia has strategically increased its oil exports to Africa and Asia. This move highlights the need for the US to bolster its diplomatic efforts in the Global South to counterbalance the influence of Russia and China. Furthermore, the environmental risks associated with oil transportation, particularly through poorly maintained "shadow tankers," pose substantial threats of oil spills and ecological damage.
These insights were highlighted in the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents’ interview with Robert York, Director of Regional Affairs at Hawaii-based think tank Pacific Forum.
Tune into the Hinrich Foundation’s podcast series for insights on international trade.
