Recently, a tanker carrying Canadian crude oil is on its way to Japan, marking the first shipment of Canadian oil to Japan since early 2025. At the same time, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada will not restrict oil supply to the United States nor use energy as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations.
According to a report by Reuters on July 29th, data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) vessel tracking system shows that this batch of crude oil has been shipped from the west coast of Canada and is currently en route to Japan.
The Marshall Islands-flagged Aframax tanker “Freedom Glory,” capable of carrying 750,000 barrels of crude oil, is carrying oil transported from Alberta to Vancouver via the Trans Mountain Pipeline in Canada. The destination is Kiire, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The tanker is leased by Exxon Mobil, with the buyer of the cargo being Japan’s largest oil refiner, Eneos.
Reuters pointed out that the conflict in Iran has tightened oil supplies in the Middle East, prompting Japan to seek alternative sources of crude oil outside the region. Canada has benefited from the expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline, increasing its capacity to export crude oil to overseas markets.
About ninety percent of Canada’s crude oil exports go to the United States, while Japan has long relied on oil from the Middle East. The government of Alberta announced in June this year that it hopes to increase its crude oil exports to countries like Japan in Asia to reduce its reliance on the U.S. market.
On the other hand, the U.S. government has announced plans to impose tariffs on certain Canadian products. Some in Canada have suggested limiting oil exports to the U.S. or imposing export taxes to enhance bargaining power in negotiations with the U.S.
In response, on the 29th, Prime Minister Carney downplayed this idea. He stated that Canada will not restrict oil supply to the U.S. nor use energy as a tool in trade negotiations. Carney emphasized that one of Canada’s greatest advantages is being seen as a reliable energy supplier, with “trust” being one of Canada’s most valuable assets.
Canada remains the largest foreign supplier of crude oil to the United States. Carney mentioned that the federal government will continue to safeguard Canadian interests through negotiations but currently has no intention of restricting energy exports in response to trade disputes with the U.S.