ERBIL () - Iraq has climbed to 10th place among the largest suppliers of crude oil to the United States, with its shipments rising last week as disruptions and security concerns surrounding regional energy routes continue to affect oil markets.
According to figures released Sunday, by the US Energy Information Administration, Iraq supplied the United States with an average of 46,000 barrels of crude oil per day during the past week, compared with 38,000 barrels per day the week before.
Canada remained the largest supplier to the US, providing 3.926 million barrels per day.
Venezuela ranked second with 599,000 barrels per day, followed by Saudi Arabia with 347,000, Mexico with 297,000, and Colombia with 239,000 barrels per day.
Brazil ranked sixth with 235,000 barrels per day, Nigeria seventh with 232,000, Argentina eighth with 173,000, and Guyana ninth with 65,000 barrels per day.
Iraq ranked 10th with its 46,000 barrels per day.
The increase in shipments to the US comes after Iraqi oil exports to the American market had fallen to zero in recent weeks amid regional security complications and difficulties affecting energy routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
The development comes as Iraq is pursuing efforts to diversify its crude oil export routes and reduce the risks posed by disruptions to regional waterways.
Iraqi Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudhir said on Sept. 8 that Iraq’s oil exports had surpassed three million barrels per day as the country works to diversify its export sources.
Khudhir said the government was continuing efforts to ensure the domestic supply of refined fuel products while strengthening Iraq’s ability to rely on its own capabilities.
He also highlighted strategic projects aimed at expanding Iraq’s options for exporting crude oil, including infrastructure linking Basra with Faysh-Khabur to facilitate exports through Türkiye.
A plan to extend an oil pipeline from Basra to Faysh-Khabur and subsequently to Türkiye and Syria’s Banias port is among the Oil Ministry’s strategic plans to address risks facing Iraq’s existing export routes.
Iraq is also seeking to increase its oil exports to five million barrels per day in the future, while continuing investment in natural gas as part of its broader energy strategy.
The latest rise in shipments to the United States therefore comes as Baghdad works to maintain oil exports while developing alternative routes amid regional risks surrounding key waterways.
