" You know, oil prices from 2007, on the strength of a very robust global economy and a very robust emerging China, many of you will recall, ramped up to near $150 a barrel. Then we had the financial – U.S. financial collapse. Oil prices collapsed all the way down to $40 a barrel. "
- Rex Tillerson

In the given statement, Rex Tillerson discusses the dramatic fluctuation of oil prices between 2007 and a later unspecified period. He points out that during an economically strong global environment, particularly with China's rapid economic growth, oil prices surged to nearly $150 per barrel. However, following a significant financial crisis in the United States, these high oil prices plummeted drastically to around $40 per barrel.

This statement reflects broader economic principles such as supply and demand dynamics and the interconnectedness of global economies. Tillerson highlights how geopolitical events and macroeconomic conditions can have profound impacts on commodity markets like crude oil. The sharp rise in oil prices was fueled by robust economic growth, high energy consumption, and increasing demand from emerging economies. Conversely, when this favorable economic climate shifted due to a financial crisis, the sudden drop in demand led to significant price declines. This highlights the vulnerability of global energy markets to systemic shocks and underscores how interdependent different regions are within the international economy.

Rex Tillerson is the former CEO of ExxonMobil and later served as the 70th United States Secretary of State from 2017 to 2018 under President Donald Trump. Known for his extensive experience in the oil industry, Tillerson brings a unique perspective on global energy markets and geopolitical relationships. His insights often carry significant weight due to his deep understanding of economic policies and their impact on international affairs.