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Sources say that the US is considering adjusting its port fees plan for Chinese vessels in response to pushback.
Six sources claim that the Trump administration may soften its proposed fee for China-linked vessels visiting U.S. port after receiving a lot of negative feedback. The industries said it could be financially devastating. Six sources familiar with the issue said that the six changes being considered include a delayed implementation as well as new fee structures aimed at reducing the cost of visiting Chinese vessels. Sources asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the subject. The White House, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative(USTR), the government agency involved in the draft of the proposal, have not responded to requests for comments. The U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer said that not all the multi-million dollar fees proposed by the agency for Chinese-built vessels to dock in U.S. port will be implemented, and they may not be cumulative. She was speaking at a hearing of U.S. Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday. The USTR proposed fees of up to $3 million per port call in the U.S. for vessels built or associated with China. The USTR made its proposal after completing an investigation into China’s maritime sector, including development plans beginning in April 2024. Trump's administration claims that the fees will curb China's increasing commercial and military dominance in the high seas, and promote U.S. maritime industry. Representatives from a wide range of industries, including coal and agriculture, said during public hearings held last month that if the proposed fee is implemented, it could be impossible to transport anything from soybeans to coal. This was due to the large number of vessels with Chinese links in the global shipping fleet as well as the time required to replace these vessels. All six sources confirmed that the administration is also considering changes to fees in order to reduce their burden and impact on U.S. business. One source stated that the administration is considering charging a fee based on how many Chinese-built vessels a company has in its fleet. This would result in lower fees for companies that have fewer Chinese-built ships. Two sources stated that the administration was considering a fee based on tonnage rather than a fixed amount. It would be cheaper for smaller vessels to pay flat fees, as opposed to all ships paying the same fee. This could ease the burden for ship owners who have smaller vessels that are involved in niche trading, such as transporting grain or other commodities. Sources said that the USTR had developed the proposed fee with the larger container ships transporting retail goods in mind. They said that the impact on commodity flows was not fully considered. In a note dated April 2, Jefferies analyst Omar Nokta stated that "the most affected sectors are container and car shipping, due to their consolidated nature and the high proportion of fees payable under the proposed framework." The shipping industry would be affected by the disruption that is likely to occur as operators move vessels to reduce their exposure to U.S. fees." (Reporting and editing by Richard Valdmanis, David Gregorio and Georgina Baertlein. Additional reporting by Georgina Maltezou and Lisa Baertlein.
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Brazil protesters lift the blockade on Amazon grain shipping routes
Abiove, the traders' association, and a toll-road operator announced on Tuesday that indigenous Brazilian protesters had lifted their blockade of Brazil's Trans-Amazonian Highway. This reopened a vital grain shipping route connecting farmers to the Miritituba River Port. On March 25, Munduruku activists shut down the road (also known as BR-230) to pressure Brazil's Supreme Court into overturning a law that limits indigenous land rights in 2023. Grain traders reported that the protests prevented the shipment of around 70 000 metric tons worth nearly $30 million of grains every day. Abiove reported that it had learned on Tuesday morning the indigenous leaders secured a meeting between Gilmar Mendes, the Supreme Court Judge and the end of the blockade. Via Brasil BR-163, a company that manages 1,009 km (627 miles), of highway connecting farms in Mato Grosso to the riverport, has also confirmed the end the protest. Mendes's office confirmed that a meeting would be held on April 15. Last year, 15 million tonnes of corn and soy were loaded on barges at Miritituba bound for larger shipping ports downriver. This is over 10% of Brazil’s total grain exports. The river port is expected to see a 20% increase in shipments this year, as Brazilian farmers who will benefit from the escalating U.S.-China trade war market a bumper soybean harvest and bumper corn crop. The BR-230 was in poor condition even before the protests began, making it difficult to reach Miritituba. ANATC, a group that represents freight companies, reported on Tuesday that trucks from farms were blocked for up to three days by bottlenecks along a five-kilometer unpaved stretch of road near the port. Via Brasil BR-163 has said that a new road will be constructed when the courts give it permission to expropriate lands for new construction. (Reporting and editing by Joe Bavier; Ana Mano)
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Metinvest, a Ukrainian steelmaker, receives coking coal from the US
The company announced on Tuesday that Ukrainian steelmaker Metinvest had received the first shipment of U.S. coal to compensate for the suspension in production at Ukraine's sole coking coal mine. Metinvest's United Coal Company in the U.S. delivered 80,000 tons of coal via its bulk carrier Bison, according to a company statement. Metinvest stated that "this shipment is intended to support the sustainable steelmaking activities of the Group in Ukraine after the suspension of Pokrovsk Coal's operations." The company said it was expecting one vessel to carry 80,000 tons per month of U.S. coal coking "to cover a share of demand at Zaporizhstal JV" and Kamet Steel. Metinvest has suspended its operations at the coking coal mine it operates in Pokrovsk, in eastern Ukraine. The company cited a deteriorating situation in security as Russian forces advanced. The Ukrainian Steel Producers' Union reported last month that despite the loss in coking coal production from Pokrovsk during the first two-month period of 2025, the country still produced more steel. (Reporting and editing by Mark Potter.)
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NextDecade signs a 20-year agreement with Aramco for the supply of LNG from Rio Grande.
NextDecade, a U.S. producer of liquefied gas, announced on Tuesday that it had signed a 20-year agreement with a Saudi Aramco subsidiary to supply supercooled gas from its Rio Grande plant. The Aramco subsidiary is expected to purchase 1.2 millions tonnes of LNG per year from Train 4 in Rio Grande, which will be its fourth liquefaction plant, if the final investment decision on the facility is positive. In declaring a state of energy emergency, President Donald Trump promised to unleash American power. This strategy includes a growth in LNG exports. In March, the country exported more than 9 millions metric tons of LNG. NextDecade has been developing the Rio Grande LNG Export Plant for several years and has suffered repeated delays. Its phase 1 is expected to be completed by early 2029, at a cost of approximately $18 billion. The company has made an FID for the construction of the first three liquefaction trains at the project by 2023. The statement said that a positive FID for Train 4 was subject to "entering into appropriate commercial agreements and obtaining sufficient financing to build Train 4 and its related infrastructure". (Reporting and editing by Anil D’Silva in Bengaluru, Shilpa Majumdar, and Tanay Dhumal)
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Orlen wants to sell 1 billion cubic meters of gas to Ukraine before September, according to sources
Two sources familiar with the matter said that Orlen, a Polish company, aims to deliver 10 LNG cargoes to Ukraine in 2010, as Kyiv tries to fill its gas storage facilities before winter. After Russian shelling, Ukraine has been left with nearly empty storage facilities and damaged production equipment. It is now looking to expand its gas transit routes, and purchase large volumes of U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) via Germany, Greece and Poland. Sources said Orlen includes gas supplied by the United States. The United States has called for Europe to purchase more energy from it and provides important military and financial assistance to Ukraine. Orlen wants up to 10 cargoes or 1 billion cubic meters (bcm), of gas to be sold to Ukraine before September. This includes two cargoes that have already been sold to the state-controlled Naftogaz. One of the sources stated that Orlen, in addition to Naftogaz is also discussing the issue of liquefied natural gas supply with Ukraine's biggest private energy company DTEK. Orlen is planning to buy cargoes on the spot market for Ukraine, according to the source. DTEK Orlen Naftogaz all declined to comment. Orlen's production of gas grew by 20% in the last year, thanks to increased production in Norway. Orlen, with its LNG import contracts, pipeline capacity and reserved regasification, has more gas available than Poland's own consumption. The existing interconnector will have a capacity increase by the beginning of 2026, allowing Poland to supply gas to Ukraine up to 7 million cubic meters (mcm). The Ukraine needs to import LNG at least four billion cubic meters for the heating season 2025/26. (Reporting and editing by David Goodman, Pavel Polityuk, and Marek Strzelecki)
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Jordan purchases approximately 60,000 tons wheat at tender, traders claim
Jordan's state grain buyer bought about 60,000 metric tonnes of hard milling from optional origins at an international auction on Tuesday, traders reported. They said that it was estimated to have been purchased from Cargill for $264 per ton, including freight (c&f), with shipment scheduled to take place in the first half August. The traders said that these other trading firms participated in the tender on Tuesday, and their offers per ton C&F were: Viterra $275, Al Dahra 274; CHS $265.70. Traders have received information that Jordan is planning to issue a tender for 120,000 tonnes of wheat in the next few days. Offers will be due on April 15 with shipments expected in different combinations between July and August. On Wednesday, a separate Jordanian bid for 120,000 tonnes of animal feed barley will also be closed. The reports reflect the assessments of traders. Further estimates on prices and volume are possible in the future. Reporting by Michael Hogan, Editing by David Goodman
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Snam, the Italian company, is considering increasing its stake in Open Grid Europe (Germany).
Luca Passa said that Snam is considering increasing its stake in Germany's largest independent Gas Transmission Operator Open Grid Europe (OGE), which it recently acquired. Why it Matters Snam purchased a 24.99% share in Vier Gas Holding on Monday, which is the owner of OGE. The equity value was 920 million euro ($1.0 billion). Snam will enter the German gas market - the largest in Europe by volume - with this deal, which is expected to close during the third quarter of the year. The Investment Authority of Abu Dhabi, which is the sole owner of Infinity Investments Investment Vehicle Company, acquired its stake. KEY QUOTES "(The purchase) is just a beginning." Passa, a Passa analyst on Tuesday, said that they would also be watching the attitudes of other shareholders. He added, "We'll consider it but also want to see the evolution of the regulatory framework in Germany," in response to a query about a potential stake increase. By the Numbers Snam announced on Tuesday that the 24.99% stake will increase Snam’s net income between 2026-2029 by approximately 40 million euros or 2-3% per year. The company said that its adjusted earnings per share would increase by around 1 percent over the same time period. WHAT'S NEXT? The Italian company stated that OGE will assist Snam in expanding its presence along current and future energy corridors. Stefano Venier, the Chief Executive Officer of Snam, said that the company was planning to expand in Europe. He stated the group would target "the southernmost area of the Mediterranean region and not expand into other parts of world." The dollar is worth 0.9155 euro (Additional reporting and editing by Emelia Sithole Matarise).
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The oil loadings at Russia's western port ports fell by 6% between April 1-15
Data from trade sources and calculations show that oil loadings in Russia's western port over the period April 1-15 will fall by 125,000 barrels a day (bpd), compared to the same period last March, to around 1.86 million bpd. Calculations showed that the daily decline in exports and transits of Urals, KEBCO, and Siberian Light grades of oil from Primorsk to Ust-Luga, Novorossiisk and Novorossiisk during the first 15 April days will be 6%. As some refineries are undergoing repairs following drone attacks in March and February, Russia's oil output in April may fall below the March level. This means that more crude oil will be allocated to domestic plants in advance of the peak season demand for motor fuels. Traders said that the Russian oil loadings may pick up in the second half April, eventually reaching March levels, and even beyond. Calculations based on LSEG data and other sources show that Russia's total offline primary crude oil refining capability in April could fall by 320,000 bpd, to 2.137 millions metric tons. This is down from 3.58million tons in March. Reporting by Kim Coghill; Editing by Kim Coghill
Maguire: France is the focus of attention as Europe's energy import needs grow.
France, the most reliable and integrated exporter in Europe of clean energy, has been brought to light by the growing tensions on electricity markets across Europe.
France is Europe's largest electricity supplier. It has been instrumental in helping to limit regional electricity prices in recent years, by exporting record amounts of clean power.
France's position as a major electricity supplier could become even more significant after the Norwegian government - another important electricity exporter – lost a coalition partner in a dispute last week over European Union (EU), energy policies.
The Centre Party of Norway, a eurosceptic party that held eight out of Norway's twenty cabinet positions, has left the government due to disagreements over the adoption of EU directives for energy, including the use of more renewable power and a higher output.
The Norwegian Labour Party will now be the sole ruling party until September's planned elections. This raises concerns about Norway remaining a leading clean energy exporter.
In polls, Labour is trailing more conservative parties who are opposed to adopting strict targets for energy export.
The potential decline of Norway's electricity exports will make Europe's biggest electricity importers, including Germany, Italy and United Kingdom, even more dependent on France.
Growing Dependence
Since 2022, the need for electricity imports in Europe has increased. This is because Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupted natural gas supplies across the region. Power firms were forced to import more to replace local power production.
Across Europe, many households and businesses have replaced their gas boilers with electric heating systems. The regional transport fleet and industry is also becoming more electrified.
According to the data portal Energy-Charts.info, Germany is particularly dependent on imports of electricity. In 2024, it will import nearly six times as much electricity as it did annually between 2015 and 2021.
Italy, Europe's largest power importer, has increased its electricity imports from 2015-2021 to new heights in 2024.
In 2024, the United Kingdom will also have electricity imports that are approximately 100% higher than the average between 2015 and 2021.
COMMON DÉNOMINATOR
In 2024 France will be the largest electricity provider to Germany and the United Kingdom, and second to Italy, after Switzerland.
Norway was Norway's second largest electricity supplier in the UK and Germany last year.
Major importers may be forced to depend more on France or other suppliers if the power flow from Norway starts to decrease.
FRANCE IN FULL FLOW
The main risk to Europe's largest electricity importers is a possible decline in production in France and other large electricity exporters, including Switzerland and Denmark.
According to LSEG, France began 2025 with the highest monthly power production total in over three years at 75,577 Gigawatt Hours (GWh).
This total was approximately 5% higher than January 2024 and 37% higher than the average monthly production from 2022-2024.
France's nuclear system has been the main driver of this surge in production. It increased output by 8% between January 2024 and the beginning of 2022, the highest level since at least that time.
The nuclear output gains were largely due to the completion of important plant maintenance, as well as the startup of a new nuclear reactor. This should allow France's power plants to maintain relatively high production rates in the future.
However, if warm summer weather prevents rivers from providing cooling water, a drop in production in 2025 is not impossible.
Any decrease in hydropower production in Switzerland and Austria could also affect Europe's total supply of electricity.
In 2024, the regional hydro output reached record levels following the floods of the summer. This allowed Switzerland and Austria to increase their electricity exports compared to the previous year.
The snow cover in Europe's major alpine regions is below the average for the past few years, which may affect hydro production in the second half of the year.
Another threat to regional power supplies is an extension of the current spell with wind speeds below normal.
LSEG data show that Germany, Europe's largest wind power producer is experiencing a prolonged period of low wind speed. Meanwhile, Denmark, one of Europe’s leading power exporters, saw its wind output drop by 20% from January 2024 to January 2025.
If wind production in northern Europe continues to be below average, it will not only affect the exports of Denmark but also Germany's imports. It may also put more pressure on France for its high level of electricity exports.
These are the opinions of a market analyst at.
(source: Reuters)