The global energy market is navigating a period of rapid, unpredictable change, marked by shifting geopolitical alliances, evolving sanctions policies, and a flurry of trade-related executive actions. In this timely joint briefing, experts from Vortexa and Rapidan Energy Group decode these disruptions, offering insights into what these developments mean for trade flows, geopolitical risk, and broader oil and products dynamics.
From macro forces like US-China trade posture and the Russia-Ukraine war, to micro shifts in flows, freight and refining, this session helps contextualise what matters now and what to watch next.
Key takeaways – Jump to what matters most
- 5:04 – Trump’s Tariff Strategy Hits a Legal Hurdle: How a recent court ruling may limit the use of IEEPA for sweeping tariffs — and what it means for trade volatility.
- 17:22 – US Ethane: A Tariff Case Study: See how US-China trade tensions are distorting ethane flows from terminal-specific policies and export licenses.
- 20:13 – Why Sanctions Haven’t Stopped Supply: Despite sanctions, China’s oil imports from Iran, Russia, and Venezuela continue — here’s why.
- 20:23 – Floating Storage & Iran’s Strategic Resilience: How Iran maintains strong crude exports through clever storage and infrastructure financing.
Key topics:
- Geopolitical risk
- Sanctions
- Trade disruptions
- Freight
- Product flows
