Overview

• The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, operational since May 2024, tripled capacity to 890,000 barrels per day, enabling broader access to Asian markets.
• China now imports an average of 207,000 barrels per day of Canadian crude via the pipeline, compared to 173,000 barrels per day sent to the U.S.
• The shift in crude flows reflects Canada’s efforts to diversify exports following U.S. trade tensions under President Trump and global sanctions on other oil suppliers.
• Utilization of the expanded pipeline averaged 77% in 2024, below the forecasted 83%, partly due to elevated toll rates aimed at recouping construction cost overruns.
• Trans Mountain Corp is exploring further capacity expansions of 200,000–300,000 barrels per day to meet growing demand, particularly from Asian markets.