Oil prices rose slightly on Tuesday as US tariff exemptions and a rebound in Chinese crude imports helped offset ongoing uncertainty surrounding trade policy and Iranian supply. Brent crude climbed 25 cents to $65.13 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 28 cents to $61.81 by 0630 GMT. Investor sentiment improved after US President Donald Trump floated exemptions on electronics tariffs and signalled possible relief on auto duties, easing pressure on global markets. However, analysts warned that Trump's unpredictable trade moves continued to weigh on confidence. The US Energy Secretary reaffirmed Washington's aim to halt Iranian oil exports, while March data showed Chinese crude imports rose nearly 5 per cent year-on-year (YoY) as buyers anticipated stricter US sanctions enforcement. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan confirmed a 3 per cent drop in oil output in early April, although production remains above its OPEC+ target. Attribution: Reuters Subediting: M. S. Salama
