Trump’s Energy Policies and Sanction Easing Lower Oil Prices Amid Market Volatility
Oil prices fell on February 26, 2025, as hopes for a Ukraine peace deal, delayed U.S. tariffs, and conflicting energy policies impacted global markets.
Brent crude futures for April delivery dropped 0.67% to $72.53 per barrel, while WTI crude for the same month declined 0.45%, closing at $68.82 per barrel.
The possibility of lifting sanctions on Russian oil production and extended tariff deadlines by former U.S. President Donald Trump drove the bearish sentiment.
Trump announced a new deadline of April 2 for tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, pushing back the original March 1 implementation date. While this move temporarily eased trade tensions, it added uncertainty to long-term trade stability.
At the same time, Trump’s broader energy agenda, including deregulation and increased domestic production, has created mixed signals for oil markets.
The potential lifting of sanctions on Russian oil production as part of peace negotiations in Ukraine further complicates the outlook. If sanctions are eased, Russian crude could flood global markets, driving prices lower.
Trump’s Energy Policies and Sanction Easing Lower Oil Prices Amid Market Volatility
ING strategists highlighted that such a scenario introduces significant supply risks just as demand growth remains weak. The U.S. Department of Energy reported a crude oil inventory drawdown of 2.33 million barrels last week, leaving stockpiles at 430.16 million barrels.
However, rising gasoline and distillate reserves offset the bullish impact of this decline. Analysts noted that refinery maintenance in the U.S., combined with weak domestic demand data, contributed to mixed market reactions.
Global economic concerns also weighed on oil prices. U.S. consumer confidence saw its steepest decline in over three years, raising fears of slowing energy demand in the world’s largest economy.
In Europe, Germany’s economy contracted in late 2024, further dampening market optimism. Technical analysis showed Brent trading within a descending channel, with resistance at $73.05 and support near $69.45 per barrel.
WTI broke below its $70 support level, with analysts watching $67 as the next critical floor. Energy-focused ETFs experienced net outflows as traders reduced exposure to oil amid heightened volatility.
Trading volumes surged as geopolitical developments and technical breakdowns dominated sentiment. With OPEC+ production hikes planned for April and weak demand growth projections, oil markets face continued pressure.
A sharp improvement in economic data or escalating geopolitical risks could change this outlook. Trump’s policies appear to be pulling prices in opposing directions, leaving traders
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| Instrument | Last | Change | YoY | Prev. | High | Low | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GOLD | 4,461 | +1.78% | +33.20% | 4,383 | 4,503 | 4,421 | 139,824 |
| SILVER | 65.59 | +1.26% | +73.05% | 64.77 | 66.98 | 64.81 | 46,406 |
| BRENT | 88.88 | -0.03% | +34.42% | 88.91 | 90.07 | 88.12 | 29,713 |
| WTI | 83.11 | -0.11% | +31.57% | 83.20 | 84.35 | 82.40 | 166,848 |
| COPPER | 6.61 | +0.03% | +46.70% | 6.61 | 6.71 | 6.61 | 39,543 |
| LITHIUM | 75.20 | +1.47% | +62.95% | 74.11 | 75.80 | 75.08 | 89,275 |
| IRON ORE | 161.91 | — | +58.10% | 161.91 | 161.91 | 1 | |
| SOY | 1,184 | +3.20% | +17.05% | 1,148 | 1,199 | 1,168 | 163,179 |
| CORN | 480.50 | +10.02% | +29.34% | 436.75 | 480.75 | 459.50 | 341,248 |
| WHEAT | 655.00 | +3.93% | +29.70% | 630.25 | 657.75 | 631.50 | 128,793 |
| COFFEE | 317.25 | -5.51% | +0.67% | 335.75 | 321.20 | 313.55 | 21,747 |
| SUGAR | 16.43 | -1.79% | -3.01% | 16.73 | 17.11 | 16.22 | 171,992 |
| COCOA | 5,719 | +3.18% | -34.96% | 5,543 | 5,779 | 5,574 | 26,773 |
| ORANGE JUICE | 138.55 | -0.47% | -45.38% | 139.20 | 141.05 | 137.50 | 703 |
| COTTON | 85.03 | +2.33% | +26.78% | 83.09 | 82.90 | 81.96 | 16,546 |
| BEEF | 223.60 | -3.93% | -5.18% | 232.75 | 226.40 | 223.00 | 16,126 |
| CATTLE | 339.10 | -3.16% | -1.82% | 350.17 | 345.50 | 338.60 | 10,164 |
| USD/BRL | 5.16 | +0.01% | -5.13% | 5.16 | 5.18 | 5.14 | — |
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
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