Americas Become Key Player in Global Oil Trade Amid Iran Conflict
The recent Iran conflict has led to a significant shift in global oil trade patterns. The Americas have emerged as a viable alternative to Middle Eastern hydrocarbon resources, with production levels rising to record highs.
According to Kpler data, crude exports from the region have averaged 11.7 million barrels per day (bpd) so far in 2026, up from 10.3 million bpd in 2025 and nearly double the volume a decade ago.
The US leads the pack with exports averaging 4.4 million bpd this year, followed by Brazil at 2.5 million bpd. Asia has absorbed much of the additional crude from the Americas, with imports into the continent surging since the Iran war began and on track to reach a record 5.4 million bpd in August.
The shift is largely driven by the growth in oil and gas production across the Americas over the past decade, with the US shale revolution transforming global oil markets and making the US the world's largest producer in 2018.