The Commodities Trade Institute

Russia is intensifying discussions with China to expand oil exports, reinforcing the economic alignment between the two nations. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed that Moscow is exploring avenues to increase flows, including the option of extending pipeline supply agreements through Kazakhstan until 2033. China already imports roughly 1.4 million barrels per day of Russian […]

China’s oil imports are once again reshaping global trade patterns—but not because of new suppliers, new pricing, or new infrastructure. Instead, the world’s largest importer of sanctioned Iranian crude has found a new declared origin for its barrels: Indonesia. Through October, China reported nearly 9.81 million tons of crude coming from Indonesia, despite Indonesia exporting

Global commodities markets are experiencing a wave of structural shifts driven by geopolitical maneuvers, supply realignments, and evolving demand across key regions. In metals, China has intensified its pressure on BHP by expanding its purchasing ban to include Jinbao fines, adding to a previous ban on Jimblebar Blend Fines. While both products represent small volumes,

This week in commodities, a pattern of strategic repositioning emerged across energy, agriculture, and critical minerals. Saudi Aramco’s announcement of more than thirty billion dollars in preliminary deals with U.S. companies signals a pivot to diversified energy investments that include LNG and advanced manufacturing. Such deals increase capital flows to U.S. energy infrastructure and could

In sum, today’s commodity landscape is dominated by logistical chokepoints, policy interventions and adaptive commercial flows. Market participants should trade less on headline production cuts or surges and more on the readiness of infrastructure, the stability of refining runs and the accessibility of terminals and trans-shipment hubs.

Today’s commodity headlines reveal a market in motion, reshaped less by production swings and more by changes in ownership, trade policy and the flow of finance. Chevron’s interest in acquiring parts of Lukoil’s international portfolio highlights a new phase in oil markets. Those assets include refineries in Europe, stakes in significant oilfields across Central Asia

Black Sea Oil Risk: Novorossiysk briefly halted loadings after a Ukrainian attack, disrupting flows equivalent to approximately two point two million barrels per day and rattling crude markets. Loadings have resumed, but the episode underlines vulnerability at maritime chokepoints. Lukoil Asset Negotiations: The U.S. Treasury issued licenses permitting talks to buy Lukoil’s foreign assets through