Home Logon FTA Investment Managers Blog Subscribe About Us Contact Us

Search by Ticker, Keyword or CUSIP       
 
 

Blog Home
   Brian Wesbury
Chief Economist
 
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
   Bob Stein
Deputy Chief Economist
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
 
  OPEC’s Waning Influence
Posted Under: Trade
Supporting Image for Blog Post

 
Since the 1970s nothing has struck fear into the heart of the average American driver like the name OPEC. With every rise in prices at the pump came theories that once again this shadowy cartel might be using its influence to reach deeper into the pockets of the US public. However, the domestic shale revolution seems to have changed all that. The US produced 8.7 million barrels of oil per day in 2014 and that number is expected to grow to 9.2 million for this year, according to the EIA. With this surge of domestically produced oil, OPEC continues to lose leverage as a trading partner.

In fact, as the chart above shows the U.S. has run a trade surplus over the past two quarters with OPEC. Though US exports to OPEC have increased, the driving force behind this change has been a 65% collapse in OPEC imports to the US since their post-recession high in Q2 2012. This is only partially due to the recent collapse in oil prices, with EIA data showing the volume of oil imports has dropped roughly 37% over the same period. We expect this trend to continue as the U.S. demand for foreign oil continues to fall.

The U.S. Government is relaxing restrictions on crude oil exports, now allowing some exports of crude oil as well as lightly processed oil condensate to Mexico. Momentum for lifting the crude oil export ban altogether has been gaining traction in Congress. Even without lifting these restrictions, our trading relationships are changing radically. The "fracking" revolution in the US is very close to creating true energy independence. The first trade surplus with OPEC in a very long time is proof that things are changing.

To be very clear, trade deficits and surpluses don't alter our overall macro-economic outlook. And while OPEC is not selling as much oil to the U.S., they are exporting it to other countries around the world. But energy revenue to OPEC is drying up, which means revenue to a very volatile and dangerous part of the world is drying up. That's good news.
Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2015 @ 10:10 AM • Post Link Print this post Printer Friendly

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.
Search Posts
 PREVIOUS POSTS
Everything's Not Bad
M2 and C&I Loan Growth
Nonfarm Payrolls Increased 173,000 in August
Don’t Fret a Weak August Payrolls Number
The ISM Non-Manufacturing Index Declined to 59.0 in August
The Trade Deficit in Goods and Services Came in at $41.9 Billion in July
Nonfarm Productivity Increased at a 3.3% Annual Rate in the Second Quarter
The ISM Manufacturing Index Declined to 51.1 in August
Markets Volatile, Economy Fine
M2 and C&I Loan Growth
Archive
Skip Navigation Links.
Expand 20242024
Expand 20232023
Expand 20222022
Expand 20212021
Expand 20202020
Expand 20192019
Expand 20182018
Expand 20172017
Expand 20162016
Expand 20152015
Expand 20142014
Expand 20132013
Expand 20122012
Expand 20112011
Expand 20102010

Search by Topic
Skip Navigation Links.

 
The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any other regulatory framework. Financial professionals are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients.
Follow First Trust:  
First Trust Portfolios L.P.  Member SIPC and FINRA. (Form CRS)   •  First Trust Advisors L.P. (Form CRS)
Home |  Important Legal Information |  Privacy Policy |  California Privacy Policy |  Business Continuity Plan |  FINRA BrokerCheck
Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved.