Vietnam's Binh Son refinery steps up U.S. oil imports
Vietnam's Binh Son oil refinery is set to receive 1 MMbbl of West Texas Intermediate crude in January, its second purchase in three months as it steps up imports from the United States, two sources familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.
Vietnam has been seeking to buy more U.S. goods to narrow a trade gap between the two countries since Trump threatened in April to impose tariffs on Vietnamese products.
Crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), farm produce and aircraft are among the U.S. goods that Vietnam is looking to import.
Swiss trader Mercuria sold the 1-MMbbl cargo, which will be delivered on January 7-11, the sources said. The companies typically do not comment on commercial deals.
BSR last received WTI on November 14, the country's first import since December 2024, data from shipping analytics firm Kpler showed.
BSR, which typically processes domestic crude, is importing WTI to replace Vietnam's Su Tu Den crude, which is being exported, the source said, adding that BSR may buy 700,000 bbl–1 MMbbl of WTI every two to three months depending on gasoline margins.
The refiner said on Sunday that its output of refined products in the first 11 months of this year is estimated at 7.24 MMt, exceeding its target. BSR has been operating at 120% of designed capacity this year, and is looking to ramp up to 123%–125% next year, it added.
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