Europe’s oil refineries are increasingly missing out on Russian crude as the world’s biggest energy producer directs more and more barrels by pipeline to China. Russia will ship an average of 19 percent less crude through its main ports on the Baltic and Black Seas in the first five months of 2018 compared with a year earlier, according to loading plans obtained by Bloomberg. Meanwhile piped flows to China soared 43 percent in the first three months, the most recent data from state operator Transneft PJSC show. Source Bloomberg
Russia’s largest aluminum producer Rusal (0486.HK) said on Monday it has not received a formal resignation from director Oleg Deripaska, and reiterated that its business and prospects may be affected by U.S. sanctions. Source: Reuters
China says it has landed long-range bombers for the first time on an island in the South China Sea, the latest in a series of maneuvers putting Beijing at odds with its neighbors and Washington over China’s growing military presence around disputed islands. Source: CNN
The US treasury secretary announced that a looming trade war has been put “on hold.” But European officials are worried that a new trade deal between the US and China could come “at the expense of Europe.” Source: Deutsche Welle
