Iraq resumes crude oil exports to United States after week of zero imports

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — U.S. crude imports from Iraq resumed in the past week after halting entirely the week before, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data reviewed by sector analysts. The figures show a modest rebound in shipments, ending a stretch in which American purchases of Iraqi crude had effectively stopped. Earlier weekly data had placed U.S. imports of Iraqi oil at zero, raising questions among traders about the cause and duration of the disruption, which was not officially explained. The United States relies heavily on Middle East producers to meet its energy needs, while Iraq remains one of the world's major exporters, supplying a range of crude grades processed by U.S. refineries. The latest data confirm that Iraqi crude has reappeared within the mix of oils handled by those refineries. No additional details on the cause or length of the previous week's interruption were provided. Traders said the resumption signals a return toward normal flow between the two countries, though they noted it remains unclear whether the rebound reflects a one-time shipment or a sustained recovery in volume.