Oil edges lower as market awaits fresh US tariffs
Oil prices extended losses on Wednesday, pressured by fears that U.S. reciprocal tariffs due to be announced at 2000 GMT could exacerbate a global trade war and dampen demand for crude.
Brent futures were down 30 cents, or 0.40%, at $74.19 a barrel by 1148 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 26 cents, or 0.37%, to $70.94.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose new tariffs on Wednesday, though it provided no detail on the size and scope of the trade barriers.
Trump’s tariff policies could stoke inflation, slow economic growth and escalate trade disputes.
"Crude prices have paused last month’s rally, with Brent finding some resistance above $75, with the focus for now turning from a sanctions-led reduction in supply to Trump’s tariff announcement and its potential negative impact on growth and demand," said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.
Traders will be watching for levies on crude imports, potentially driving up prices of refined products, he added.
For weeks Trump has touted April 2 as "Liberation Day", bringing new duties that could rattle the global trade system.
The White House announcement is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (2000 GMT).
"The balance of risk lies to the downside, given that weaker than expected tariff measures are unlikely to drive a significant rally in Brent, while stronger than expected measures could trigger a substantial selloff," BMI analysts said in a note.
Trump has also threatened to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil and on Monday he ramped up sanctions on Iran as part of his administration’s "maximum pressure" campaign to cut its exports.
Source: Investing.com
