市場分析

Oil Rebounds Slightly After Drop, OPEC+ Output Plans in Focus

Mellissa · 24 Apr15.2K 閱讀

Image Credit: Reuters

Oil prices saw a slight increase on Thursday after a nearly 2% drop in the previous session, as investors weighed the potential for an OPEC+ output boost against mixed signals from the White House on tariffs and ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations.

By 0038 GMT, Brent crude futures were up by 6 cents (0.09%) at $66.18 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 7 cents (0.11%) to $62.34 a barrel. Prices had fallen by 2% in the prior session following reports that several OPEC+ members were proposing an accelerated increase in oil output for June, citing sources familiar with the talks. There had been disagreements within the group over production quotas.

Oil prices found some support from news that the U.S. and China might be moving closer to trade discussions. According to the Wall Street Journal, the White House could consider lowering tariffs on China by up to 50% to facilitate talks.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Wednesday that the current tariffs—145% on Chinese goods and 125% on U.S. products—were unsustainable and would need to be reduced before trade negotiations could proceed. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that there would be no unilateral tariff cuts on Chinese imports.

Analysts at Rystad Energy warned that a prolonged trade conflict between the U.S. and China could significantly reduce China's oil demand growth, forecasting a decline from 180,000 barrels per day to just 90,000 bpd this year.

Meanwhile, President Trump is reportedly considering tariff exemptions on Chinese car part imports, according to the Financial Times.

On the supply side, the U.S. and Iran are preparing for a third round of talks this weekend to discuss the possibility of reinstating restrictions on Iran's uranium enrichment. The market is closely monitoring these talks, as a U.S.-Iran agreement could lead to the easing of sanctions on Iranian oil, increasing global supply.

However, the U.S. imposed fresh sanctions on Iran's energy sector on Tuesday, which Tehran's foreign ministry said demonstrated a lack of sincerity in the negotiations.