The U.S. trade deficit widened in February as a rebound in imports offset strong growth in exports, which increased to a record high, potentially keeping trade on track to subtract from economic growth in the first quarter.

The liquefied natural gas carrier Arctic Metagaz is “completely out of control at sea” in the Mediterranean after a towing attempt collapsed at around 0400 local time on April 2 due to severe weather, according to an urgent notice issued by Libya’s Ports and Maritime Transport Authority.

President Donald Trump finally tried to sell the American public on his Iran war. But his primetime address five weeks into the messy conflict instead underscored the US president’s growing defensive posture, as pressure mounts on global shipping routes, gas prices and his political party.

Britain will host talks on Thursday aimed at forming a coalition of countries to explore ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. President Donald Trump said securing the vital waterway was a problem for other nations to resolve.

The Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints—remains effectively closed, sending shockwaves through global trade, energy markets, and financial systems, according to a new report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

In recent days, the operator of an oil tanker stuck in the Persian Gulf received a compelling proposal. After weeks at anchor with missiles and drones passing overhead, it could finally sail safely out through the Strait of Hormuz and into the open ocean — escorted by the Iranian Navy. But first it would need to change its registration and raise the flag of Pakistan, according to a company executive, speaking on condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive conversations.

U.S. offshore oil production surged to a record 714 million barrels in 2025, marking a new high for output from the Outer Continental Shelf and underscoring the growing role of deepwater projects in the nation’s energy mix.

U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas rose to an all?time high in March as plants ran above nameplate capacity and new units started up, preliminary data from financial firm LSEG showed.

Libyan authorities have effectively halted efforts to secure the stricken LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz, towing the vessel far offshore and leaving it adrift near the edge of Malta’s search and rescue (SAR) zone, according to maritime tracking data, regional media and OSINT reporting.

Turkey is seeking permission from Iranian authorities for 11 Turkish-owned ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the country’s transportation minister said on Wednesday.

Oil supply disruptions from the Middle East will rise in April and begin to impact Europe's economy as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz severely curbs supplies, International Energy Agency head Fatih Birol said on Wednesday.

The number of Panama-flagged ships detained by China’s Port State Control soared in March, compared with February and January, according to The Loadstar’s analysis of the Tokyo MOU detention list.