U.S. Crude Oil Exports Decline in 2025 Despite Record Production

Exports Down, Production at Record High

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), crude exports averaged about 4.0 million barrels per day in 2025, roughly 3% lower than in 2024 and slightly below 2023 levels.

Over the same period, U.S. crude production rose to a record near 13.6 million barrels per day, underscoring strong domestic supply despite softer export flows.

More barrels were absorbed by U.S. refineries and stockbuilds, including additions to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Shifts in Global Trade Flows

The export decline was driven mainly by lower shipments to Europe and the Asia–Oceania region, historically two of the largest markets for U.S. crude.

Exports to Europe fell as higher OPEC output displaced some U.S. barrels, while flows to Singapore and China dropped sharply.

By contrast, exports to India, Japan and Nigeria increased, supported in part by new and expanding refining capacity such as Nigeria’s Dangote refinery.

Even after the pullback, U.S. crude exports in 2025 remained many times higher than early‑2010s levels, reflecting how deeply U.S. barrels are now embedded in global trade.

Net Imports Near Multi‑Decade Lows

Because imports also declined, U.S. net crude imports fell to roughly 2.2 million barrels per day in 2025, close to their lowest levels since the early 1970s.

Earlier EIA projections had pointed to net imports near 1.9 million barrels per day, so actual trade flows stayed close to those historically low expectations.

Despite slightly lower exports, record production and subdued refinery runs keep the United States positioned as a key source of incremental crude supply for the global market.

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