Supply Chain Research

Trade negotiations between the U.S. and China may focus on oil suppliers as well as LNG and agricultural products. State-owned refiner Sinopec has reportedly already been instructed to boost its purchases in June. China’s oil import growth has slowed recently, rising just 0.2% in the three months to April 30 on a year earlier vs. 15% in the prior three quarters. With the U.S. targeting a $200 billion reduction in the deficit a $20 billion diversion of oil purchases would require a difficult switch equivalent to 11% of Chinese imports. The largest suppliers in the 12 months to February 28...