Oil Hikes on US-China Trade Talk Hopes

Oil rose on Thursday after falling more than US$1 in the previous session, supported by hopes of a breakthrough in looming trade talks between the US and China, the world’s two largest oil consumers.

Brent crude futures were up 10 cents, or 0.2 percent, at US$61.22 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 13 cents, or 0.2 percent to US$58.20 a barrel at 9:32 a.m. Saudi time.

“Optimism around the US and China trade talks this weekend is a primary factor supporting the rebound in the oil market,” said independent market analyst Tina Teng.

“Signs of a de-escalating trade war improved market sentiment, triggering a rebound in oil prices in an oversold market.”

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will meet with China’s top economic official on May 10 in Switzerland for negotiations over a trade war that is disrupting the global economy. The countries are the world’s two largest economies and the disruptions from their trade dispute are likely to lower crude consumption growth.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested China initiated the trade talks, adding he was not willing to cut US tariffs on Chinese goods to get Beijing to negotiations. Bessent said the upcoming talks are a start, not ‘advanced’ discussions.

Weak demand concerns capped oil price gains after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady but warned about rising economic uncertainties.

“The Fed signalled that rates will likely remain on hold until the effects of tariffs become clearer. This boosted the US dollar, which added to headwinds facing the broader commodity markets,” said ING analysts in a report on Thursday.

A stronger US currency makes dollar-denominated oil more expensive for holders of other currencies and dampening demand.

Adding to the concerns of weaker demand, US gasoline inventories rose last week, stoking concerns among analysts that consumption is not building as the US enters the summer demand period later this month.

At the same time, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, will increase its oil output, adding to pressure on prices.