U.S. Strategy Shifts Global Energy Focus to Americas

The United States is executing a strategic shift to move global energy dominance from the Middle East to the Americas. This transition is part of President Donald Trump's 2025 National Security Strategy designed to undermine OPEC's market power and increase direct influence across the Western Hemisphere. In May 2026, crude exports from the Americas reached a record 14.5 million barrels per day, coinciding with an 89% drop in shipments through the Strait of Hormuz between February and May due to conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Key components of this strategy include the recovery of Venezuela's oil sector following the U.S.-led removal of Nicolás Maduro on January 3. PDVSA increased crude production to 1.155 million barrels per day in May, with projections reaching 1.37 million barrels per day by late 2026. Additionally, the U.S. provided a $20 billion financial lifeline to support shale production in Argentina's Vaca Muerta region.

These efforts have contributed to the Americas accounting for 32% of global crude production. U.S. domestic output has reached record levels of approximately 13.6 million barrels per day, while Brazil continues to achieve record-breaking hydrocarbon output.