Tradewinds: France Strike to Hurt Then Help Tankers

31 May 2016: “Poten & Partners said there is a ‘slightly negative bias’ during the strikes, but the impact is limited. Refineries that are closed will delay or stop crude deliveries, and some tankers have already been diverted. ‘Seaborne refined product imports and exports will also be on hold for as long as the ports are closed,’ the brokerage said. After the strike, though, the market may see a repeat of the aftermath of labour strikes of a few years ago. ‘After the strikes ended in October 2010, there was a 25% increase in refined product imports in the following month It would not be a stretch to see the same happening this time around.’ Poten said.”