U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he is not planning to impose tariffs on countries buying Russian oil immediately, particularly China. He suggested that this measure may be revisited in “two or three weeks”, following his recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska
| Indicator | Movement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brent Crude | Fell by ~$1 (to ~$65.85) | Reuters |
| WTI Crude | Fell by ~$1.16 (to ~$62.80) | Reuters |
| Oil Prices (Aug 14) | Rose ~2% amid Fed rate cut optimism | Reuters |
| Crude Trends | Minor volatility; markets await summit outcomes | MarketWatch & Reuters |
Market Context
- Oil prices dipped ahead of the Trump–Putin talks, with Brent and WTI each losing about $1 as traders weighed the possibility of easing sanctions or escalating tensions
- Just before the summit, prices had climbed by about 2%, buoyed by investor optimism about potential Fed interest rate cuts and a tougher tone from Trump toward Russia
- The summit’s outcome remains a pivotal market driver: a breakthrough could trigger a potential slide below $60 per barrel, while worsening tensions and sanctions might push prices above $80
What’s Next?
Energy analysts warn that markets may remain brand-loyal due to caution. The oil sector remains on edge, recognizing that any real policy shifts or their absence could tilt market direction significantly.
