Chess, Police, Cutting Ties

Michael · March 29, 2026 at 10:51 am

SNIP The United States currently imports roughly 10% of its total oil from Middle Eastern countries.
In recent years, the U.S. has significantly reduced its reliance on Middle Eastern oil due to increased domestic production and a shift toward suppliers in the Western Hemisphere. Middle Eastern nations such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait now account for only about 10% of U.S. oil imports, down from around 20% five years ago, marking the lowest share since the 1970s (TrendsMask).
trendsmask.com
Import Volumes and Sources
In 2024, the U.S. imported an average of 8.42 million barrels of petroleum per day, with Canada supplying over 4.7 million barrels per day, making it the largest foreign supplier (USImportData). Imports from OPEC nations, which include Middle Eastern countries, totaled approximately 1.3 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia alone supplied roughly 550,000 barrels per day (WorldPopulationReview).

So, were JUST cutting out 3.72 million barrels BUT, BUT, BUT What about Venezuela? Yeah, about that, we’ve got them UP to just about 500,000 barrels max production. Using old rickety poorly maintained equipment after decades of socialism.

Now WONDER what happens if Canada decides that China is a better oil customer and some odd food riots in Venezuela occur.

SNIP Domestic Production and Reserves
The U.S. has historically been a major helium producer, with the Federal Helium Reserve in Amarillo, Texas, supplying up to 30% of the country’s helium. Additional smaller facilities exist in states like Colorado and Wyoming, but domestic production alone is insufficient to meet total demand, especially for critical uses such as MRI machines, semiconductor manufacturing, and aerospace applications.

Global Supply Considerations
Globally, helium is produced as a byproduct of natural gas extraction. Qatar and Russia are among the largest producers, with Qatar historically supplying roughly one-third of the world’s helium. Geopolitical events, such as the Iran-Qatar conflict, have disrupted helium production and shipping, highlighting the U.S.’s reliance on foreign sources to maintain critical industrial and medical operations.

I do wish people would quit thinking were America of the 60″s that EXPORTED everything to the world instead of CURRENT America that exports some oil, a decent amount of food and DEBT in the form of T-bills.

Speaking of Food:

SNIP Yes, America imports fertilizer. The United States relies on fertilizers to boost crop yields and maintain soil fertility, importing significant amounts from countries like Canada, Russia, and China, which account for 30% of ammonia and 55% of phosphate rock imports. While the U.S. produces its own fertilizers through various methods, it also depends on global supply chains for certain types of fertilizers

I hear Russia AND China canceled fertilizer exports. Wonder if Canada is going to be selling the world fertilizer at “Market Prices” due to shortages?

My fertilizer order I placed last year was canceled due to “unforeseen circumstances”. I asked around locally and several farmers around here are also searching for more fertilizer.

I wonder what groceries are going to cost about mid summer-early fall when Expected crops are to replace last year’s crops currently in the food system.