The share of petroleum net imports to U.S. petroleum consumption in 2017 was 18.9% -- the lowest level since 1967.
November 20, 2018The share of petroleum net imports to U.S. petroleum consumption in 2017 was 18.9% -- the lowest level since 1967. Net imports are calculated as total imports minus exports. The share of total petroleum imports relative to all U.S. petroleum consumption in 2017 was 50.8%. The two data series (net imports and total imports) have been moving in tandem for several decades, but in recent years have uncoupled due to a rise in petroleum exports. Increased crude oil production and the lifting of a crude oil export ban have contributed to the rise in exports.
![Petroleum imports as a share of U.S. consumption from 1950 to 2017](/sites/default/files/styles/full_article_width/public/fotw1056.png?itok=DcuRksNU)
Note: Net imports are total petroleum imports minus exports.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, September 2018 Monthly Energy Review, Table 3.3a.