Introduction
The United States has long been a major importer of oil, relying heavily on foreign crude to meet its energy needs. In the past, the country has imported oil from a variety of countries, but in recent years, the United States has increasingly looked to Canada as its primary source for foreign crude. This article examines the history of US oil imports by country, from the 1970s to the present.
1970s
In the 1970s, the United States imported most of its oil from the Middle East. During this time, the US imported roughly 70% of its crude oil from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait. In addition to these four countries, the US also imported oil from other countries in the region, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain. By the end of the decade, the US was importing over 4 million barrels per day from the Middle East.
1980s
In the 1980s, the US continued to rely heavily on Middle Eastern oil, but it also began to look more to Canada for its foreign crude. By the end of the decade, the US was importing over 1.5 million barrels per day from Canada. This represented about 25% of total US oil imports. In addition to Canada, the US also imported oil from Mexico, Nigeria, and Venezuela.
1990s
In the 1990s, the US continued to import oil from Canada and the Middle East, but it also began to look more to other countries for its foreign crude. By the end of the decade, the US was importing over 2 million barrels per day from Russia, and over 1 million barrels per day from the United Kingdom. In addition to these two countries, the US also imported oil from Norway, the Netherlands, and Mexico.
2000s
In the 2000s, the US continued to import oil from Canada and the Middle East, but its reliance on these two sources began to wane. By the end of the decade, the US was importing over 1.5 million barrels per day from both Canada and the Middle East, but its imports from other countries had increased significantly. By the end of the decade, the US was importing over 2 million barrels per day from Russia and over 1 million barrels per day from the United Kingdom.
2010s
In the 2010s, the US continued to look to Canada and the Middle East for its foreign crude, but it also began to look more to other countries for its oil imports. By the end of the decade, the US was importing over 1.5 million barrels per day from both Canada and the Middle East, but its imports from Venezuela had increased significantly. By the end of the decade, the US was importing over 1.2 million barrels per day from Venezuela.
2020s
The US is continuing to look to Canada and the Middle East for its foreign crude, but it is also looking more to other countries for its oil imports. By the end of the decade, the US is projected to be importing over 1.5 million barrels per day from both Canada and the Middle East, but its imports from other countries is expected to increase significantly. By the end of the decade, the US is projected to be importing over 2 million barrels per day from Russia and over 1 million barrels per day from the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the United States has long been a major importer of oil, relying heavily on foreign crude to meet its energy needs. In the past, the country has imported oil from a variety of countries, but in recent years, the United States has increasingly looked to Canada as its primary source for foreign crude. In addition, the US is looking more to other countries for its oil imports, such as Russia and the United Kingdom. As the US continues to look to foreign sources for its oil, its imports from Canada and the Middle East will likely remain significant.