Could the US become the world’s largest crude exporter? Our new study, US Crude Exports – Making Waves, offers a deep look into how lifting the US crude export ban has global implications. As US onshore crude volumes build, we explore the implications for the market, producers and midstream operators.
The global crude export landscape continues to shift as the US Lower 48 pumps more light sweet crude into the market. With little forecast incremental demand for these volumes domestically, US producers will look first to Europe and then Asia to absorb this excess production.
Since its crude export ban was lifted in 2015, the US – for the first time in a century – is becoming a major player in global crude markets. The shift to shipping crude out of the US, rather than only bringing it in, has global implications, especially as onshore production surges.
Domestic dilemma: onshore crude surges in the US
Over the next five years, we expect to see an additional 4 million barrels per day (b/d) of US crude enter the market – potentially positioning the US as the world’s largest crude producer. But the majority of this production will be light sweet and ultra light crudes, as well as condensates. US refiners largely prefer medium and heavy crudes and have a minimal capacity to modify their configurations, likely leading to only modest consumption of these lighter crudes domestically. We estimate that only about 900 kb/d will be absorbed into the domestic market, leaving the rest for export.
So where will all this crude go? And what about the economics?
In the near term, the US will look to Europe to absorb most of its crude volumes. Refining values are higher in Europe and transport costs are lower. But US crude grades will be fighting African Bonny Light for European market share, meaning US crudes will need to be discounted to stay competitive. The marginal barrel will then shift to Asian markets in 2022, once European demand is sated. Higher transport costs to Asia will require even further discounts to capture market share.
Contrary to a widely shared view that condensates will comprise the majority of US exports in the next five years, we expect them to account for approximately 25% of exported volumes by 2023. Questions about specific crude streams will arise for US producers and midstream operators looking to understand which are most likely to be exported.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for crude streams
The Permian Basin – the jewel in the US Lower 48's crown – is forecast to account for half of all US onshore oil production by 2023, or approximately 5 million b/d. We expect a strong appetite for its light crude in Europe and Asia, where it may receive a premium of ~$0.50/bbl relative to WTI Cushing blend and Eagle Ford crude.
Can current infrastructure support the crude export surge?
Which export hub will see the most volume growth over the next five years? With additional Permian takeaway pipes under construction and the potential for massive port infrastructure enhancements to accommodate larger crude vessels, the Texas port of Corpus Christi is best positioned to see significant volume increases. We forecast Corpus Christi will surpass 1 million b/d of exports by 2020 and double to 2 million b/d by 2023.
Source: Wood Mackenzie