US base oils imports rose to a three-month high in July but still fell for a third month from year-earlier levels.Total imports of 1.37mn bl (192,000t) in July rose from close to 943,000bl the previous month, government data showed.Imports fell by 18pc from year-earlier levels.Total imports of 9.08mn bl in the first seven months of the year edged down from 9.13mn bl during the same period last year.Imports fell because of a drop in shipments of Group I base oils.Imports of Group III base oils came to 7.85mn bl in the first seven months of the year, up slightly from 7.84mn bl during the same period last year.Imports of Group III base oils held firm despite weaker domestic demand, rising domestic supply, and lower domestic prices.Imports of Group III base oils began to reflect those dynamics in more recent months.Imports of 2.93mn bl of Group III base oils in the three months to end-July fell by 20pc from 3.67mn bl during the same period last year..US’ July base oils exports rise
