Oil Tariffs: Lose-Lose For Both Canada And US, Study Finds
A Goldman Sachs study projects a lose-lose situation for both Canadian oil producers and American consumers if the US pushes through with its proposed 10% tariff on oil imports from Canada.
The analysis estimates that Canadian oil producers stand to lose nearly US$7 billion annually in profit margins. Their predicament stems from the reality that most of Canada’s crude exports head south, leaving limited options for rerouting supply.
According to the study, producers in Canada would be “to a large extent, a ‘captured seller’ to US refiners,” forced to absorb three-quarters of the approximately $6-a-barrel tariff. This diminished revenue could have serious ramifications for companies that rely on the US market.
American households, meanwhile, face an even steeper aggregate hit, with the firm estimating US consumers would feel a $22 billion impact, roughly $170 per household each year, mostly through higher prices at the pump.
“A modest 10 per cent tariff on oil would mostly transfer revenues from (non) U.S. producers and U.S. consumers to the government and refiners-marketers,” the report states.
In parallel, the US government stands to collect about $20 billion in annual revenue through the proposed tariffs, the study notes. Yet the windfall may come at a much larger strategic cost. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, fears “it shakes the reliability of US partnerships in a way that could ultimately cost the United States in the long run.”
Beyond the surging prices, another concern stemming from oil tariffs is that this might trigger retaliation and erode confidence in cross-border energy dealings. Rory Johnston, founder of the Commodity Context newsletter, points out that market participants could look for ways to export Canadian crude via US ports or explore other mechanisms to lessen the blow.
The oil tariffs are expected to be imposed next month alongside the initial 25% sweeping tariffs on other Canadian exports.
Information for this briefing was found via Calgary Herald and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
