US diesel export ban could severely impact Latin American metal producers
A US ban on diesel could wreak havoc on global mining operations and especially those in Latin America, experts told Platts. The US, the largest global diesel exporter, is mulling export curbs to tamp down domestic diesel prices, which have skyrocketed amid the ongoing US conflict with Iran and after Ukrainian damage to diesel-producing facilities ...
A potential US ban on diesel exports could significantly disrupt global mining operations, particularly in Latin America, according to industry experts. The US, the world's largest exporter of diesel, is considering curbs on diesel shipments to curb domestic prices, which have surged due to the US conflict with Iran and reduced diesel production in Russia after the Ukrainian conflict.
Latin America relies heavily on US imports for diesel, with countries such as Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Brazil being among the biggest consumers. These nations, which are major producers of metals like copper, silver, lithium, and iron ore, could face substantial challenges if the ban were to be implemented. Chile and Peru, in particular, are highly dependent on US diesel imports, with Chile accounting for 34.7% of global mined copper production in 2025.
The cost of diesel is a critical factor in mining operations, and a ban would likely increase costs and raise metal prices. The US Gulf Coast Export ULSD price reached an all-time high of $4.7833/gal on September 16, and affected Latin American countries would have to compete for limited alternative supplies from countries like India, the Middle East, and Europe, which could lead to shortages and higher prices.
The White House has not yet decided on the ban, with some officials favoring it while others argue against a "blunt hammer" approach. The potential ban could have ripple effects beyond Latin America, impacting other regions that also rely on US diesel imports, such as Canada and the European Union.
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