What is the expected volume of China's LNG imports in April, and how does it compare to the previous year and historical levels?

China’s LNG imports in April are expected to be around 3.5 million tons, approximately 30% lower than a year earlier, according to Kpler’s ship-tracking data; if confirmed by official Chinese statistics, this would mark the lowest monthly import level since April 2018.

Why has China stopped re-exporting LNG in April, and what does this indicate about market conditions?

China did not re-sell any LNG cargo in April — a sharp drop from over 700,000 tons in March — because higher spot LNG prices in Asia (about 70% above pre-war levels) have eroded the profitability of re-exports, making them economically unviable.

China’s April LNG Imports Set to Hit Eight-Year Low, Kpler Says

Apr 28, 2026

China's April LNG imports are projected to drop to an eight-year low of 3.5 million tons amid soaring spot prices driven by Middle East tensions and reduced re-exports. Domestic supply cuts from PetroChina further tightened the market, eroding LNG's cost advantage.

bloomberg

2026-04-28

China’s April LNG Imports Set to Hit Eight-Year Low, Kpler Says

China’s April LNG Imports Set to Hit Eight-Year Low, Kpler Says

FAQ