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."
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including thr...
Iran and the U.S. exchanged threats on Tuesday, as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Tehran to expect the&nb...
Up to 30 tonnes of food will be delivered to Iran amidst ongoing hostilities with U.S. and Israel, following a phone converstation between the ...
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern as tensions rise following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israe...
Reports of so-called “acid clouds” moving from Iran towards Central Asia are not supported by scientif...
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
The United States has designated Afghanistan a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention”, accusing the Taliban of holding American citizens to gain political concessions and demanding the immediate release of detained Americans.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment