Impact of Trade Policies on U.S. Oil Companies

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U.S. Oil Giants Face Declining Profits Amid Trade Concerns

The two largest oil corporations in the United States have reported their lowest earnings for the first quarter in several years, as they brace for potential economic repercussions stemming from ongoing trade tensions initiated by President Trump. These trade disputes have led to a decline in consumer confidence and have exerted downward pressure on oil prices.

Oil Price Trends
Recently, U.S. crude oil prices dipped below the $60 per barrel mark. This price point is significant as it presents a challenge for many companies that rely on higher prices to justify the costs of drilling new wells. Currently, crude oil is approximately $20 cheaper per barrel compared to its price just before President Trump assumed office. Compounding the issue, companies are also facing increased costs for materials like steel due to tariffs imposed by the administration.

Industry Adjustments
There are indications of industry adjustments in response to these economic pressures. According to Baker Hughes, a prominent oil field service provider, the number of rigs actively drilling in the Permian Basin, the most extensive oil field in the U.S., decreased by 3 percent over the past month. Executives from Baker Hughes have noted that their clients are deferring non-essential expenditures, with industry-wide spending expected to decline this year.

Strategic Responses
Chevron, the second-largest oil enterprise in the U.S., had previously announced a reduction in its spending plans for 2025 and has not altered its forecasts for annual production or capital expenditures. Eimear Bonner, Chevron’s chief financial officer, expressed confidence in the company’s position, stating, “We’re comfortable with where we are right now. We’ve navigated cycles before. We know what to do.”

The financial outcomes reported by Chevron and Exxon Mobil, the largest U.S. oil and gas company, reflect market conditions prior to President Trump’s latest tariff announcements. Concurrently, OPEC Plus, a coalition of oil-producing countries, surprised the market by accelerating their plans to increase oil production.