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2026-02-18 16:06:27
[US Resumes Uranium Enrichment, Venezuelan Oil Production Expected to Surge] ⑴ US Energy Secretary Wright stated on Tuesday that the US will resume domestic uranium enrichment activities, with some stages conducted jointly with French partners. He also predicted that Venezuelan oil production would increase by hundreds of thousands of barrels per day by the end of this year. ⑵ The Iraqi cabinet has approved a "friendly solution" with Russia's Lukoil, transferring the operation of the West Qurna 2 oil field to the state-owned Basra Oil Company. This move marks a significant step for Iraq in strengthening its control over its oil resources. ⑶ Commodity trading giant Glencore's oil trading volume is projected to reach 4.2 million barrels per day in 2025, a significant increase from 3.7 million barrels per day in 2024, indicating continued expansion of its energy trading business. ⑷ In terms of trade and energy investment, Japan's exports to the US have declined year-on-year for two consecutive months, and container imports at the Port of Los Angeles in January fell by 13% year-on-year, while exports hit a near three-year low. Meanwhile, Trump announced the formal launch of the US-Japan trade agreement, with Japan's initial investment plan in the US covering three major projects: $600 million for synthetic diamonds, $2.1 billion for crude oil, and $33.3 billion for data center gas-fired power generation. Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry stated that he will continue to closely coordinate project details with the US.
