U.S. oilfield service firms are facing significant challenges following President Donald Trump’s recent tariff announcement, which is disrupting supply chains and contributing to a decline in oil prices.
Analysts predict that the combined effects of the tariffs and lower oil prices could lead to a drop in drilling activity, placing additional pressure on major oil services companies.
Financial services firm Morningstar downgraded its fair value estimates for the three largest oilfield service firms—SLB, Halliburton, and Baker Hughes—by 3-6% following the announcement of the tariffs. The firm warned that these companies could see a 2-3% decline in oilfield revenue in 2025. For each dollar lost in revenue, Morningstar estimates these companies could lose between $1.25 and $1.35 in operating profit.
The tariffs, which are expected to impact crucial components such as pipes, valve fittings, and sucker rods, are particularly concerning for these firms, which rely on multinational sourcing strategies, according to Rystad Energy's Ryan Hassler.
Shares of the major oilfield service firms took a hit on Friday. SLB, the world’s largest oil services company, saw its stock drop by 12%, reaching its lowest point since September 2022. Halliburton’s stock fell by 10%, while Baker Hughes’ shares tumbled by 11%.
In addition to the tariff challenges, oil prices also took a sharp dive after China— the world’s largest crude oil importer—escalated tariffs on U.S. goods. This move sparked concerns about a global recession and a subsequent dip in oil demand. Crude oil futures were down more than 8% in afternoon trading, with global benchmark Brent crude falling to $64.03 per barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) hitting $66.90.
If WTI remains in the $60 per barrel range for an extended period, it could lead to reduced activity in the U.S. shale sector by the second half of the year, Rystad’s Hassler warned. Investment bank JP Morgan has raised the probability of a global recession by the end of the year to 60%, up from 40% previously.
"The curtain appears to be falling on global trade as we knew it," said Tamas Varga, an analyst at PVM Oil Associates. "The threat of recession is front of mind, and investors are retreating from risk assets such as oil and equities."
U.S. President Donald Trump called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy saying Kyiv is ready to comply immediately.
President Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a limited trade deal Thursday that keeps 10% tariffs on British exports but lowers U.S. duties on UK cars and cuts average UK tariffs on U.S. goods to 1.8%, calling it a “historic” step forward.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to resolve trade disputes and cooperate on Ukraine during a phone call Thursday evening.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone about the U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement after Ukraine’s Parliament ratified it.
From Washington to Rome and beyond, world leaders continue to welcome the election of Pope Leo XIV, recognising the historic nature of the first American pontiff and the hopes it brings for global unity and moral leadership.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
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