United States

geopolitical

Last mentioned: Mar 4, 2026

Timeline

  1. Market Friction

    Reports emerge of multiple 'failed fixtures' as traders find the arbitrage window closed by freight costs.

  2. Record High Reached

    Shipping costs for a single VLCC from the US to Asia hit the $29 million milestone.

  3. Rate Acceleration

    Tanker rates begin a steady climb as vessel availability tightens in the Atlantic Basin.

Stories mentioning United States 1

Commodities Bearish

US-to-Asia Oil Shipping Costs Hit Record $29M as Tanker Rates Surge

Shipping costs for crude oil from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Asia have reached an unprecedented $29 million per tanker, driven by a tightening vessel market. This surge is beginning to disrupt global trade flows, with several planned spot deals reportedly collapsing due to prohibitive logistics costs.

2 sources