NNA - Oil prices rebounded on Monday despite lingering fears over a potential global trade war after US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff plans, this time targeting steel and aluminum.
Brent crude futures were up 87 cents, or 1.2 percent, at $75.53 a barrel by 1413 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude added 1.3 percent, rising 90 cents to $71.90.
Monday’s gains could be down to bargain hunting after the market posted a third consecutive weekly decline last week, pressured by the concerns over global trade.
“It’s tariff uncertainty which is the name of the game. This affects risk appetite in general and has spillover effects into oil,” said Harry Tchilinguiran at Onyx Capital. “After last week’s declines, some people may be buying into the dip.”
Trump said he will announce on Monday 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States.
A week ago he announced tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, but suspended those for the neighboring countries the next day.
There are concerns that tariffs could dampen global economic growth and energy demand. But in light of Trump’s temporary backdown last week, investors appeared to be shrugging off the steel and aluminum tariff threat for now, said IG analyst Tony Sycamore.
