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Title: Protectionism and the US refining industry

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6477396

Almost unnoticed in the US press is the entrance of the US in the international market as a major exporter of oil products. The author describes his views on protective tariffs particularly with regard to the US refinery industry. He concludes that the new demands for protectionism by some refiners, if enacted into legislation by Congress, would not only raise the cost to all energy consumers but would also adversely affect US American industry, commencing with US exporting refiners that have recently entered the international products market. There would be retaliation by other countries and massive defaults by countries like Mexico. It is not in the national interest for the US to engage in oil tariffs or quotas that may harm the economies of our friendly trading partners - partners upon whom the US is dependent for one-third of its oil consumption and whom the US will need in time of crisis. Discussed are the US oil industry, OPEC, Venezuela, shutdowns, modernization, exports, imports, spot market, Western European refiners, and internationalization vs protectionism. 19 tabs. (DMC)

Research Organization:
Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge (USA). Center for Energy Studies
OSTI ID:
6477396
Report Number(s):
LSU/CES-85-W-03; ON: DE86900267
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English