Oil tanker freight rates surge in Asia

US sanctions prompt importers to switch from Iran to Africa

20181025 VLCC

China’s presence in the oil tanker market is becoming increasingly strong.

HIDETO MOTOIKE, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- After a prolonged slump, spot freight rates for crude oil tankers are rising sharply amid tightening supply of the vessels due to the impending revival in full of U.S. sanctions against Iran.

Iranian oil exports have declined as the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has called for foreign countries to stop importing the commodity from the Persian Gulf country by early November, following his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.

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