Oil Daily | Venezuelan Oil Rebranded as Brazilian in China Amid Tightened U.S. Sanctions

【Oil-Producing Countries Dynamics】

Venezuelan oil has been rebranded as Brazilian in China, circumventing U.S. sanctions. This strategy cuts transport costs and manipulates vessel signals to appear as if the crude is from Brazil. U.S. sanctions have tightened, with a 25% tariff on countries buying Venezuelan oil, affecting Venezuela's exports.

【Latest Oil Policies】

The U.S. federal government has intensified actions against Venezuela, revoking Chevron's license and canceling planned cargos, which reduced Venezuela's exports by 20% in April compared to March. This represents the lowest export level in nine months amid increasing sanctions from the Trump administration.

【Industry News】

China's CATL plans to issue new shares in Hong Kong, aiming to raise up to $4 billion, with major investors like CNOOC and Kuwait Investment Authority participating. The company seeks to expand globally, particularly in Europe, and pursue the development of a new factory in Hungary.

【Company News】

Saudi Aramco's net profit for the first quarter dropped to $26 billion, affected by lower oil prices, yet it raised dividends to $21.1 billion, signaling financial resilience. Aramco plans to diversify into natural gas, low-carbon energy, and hydrogen, particularly expanding in blue hydrogen production.