What is the current status of US LNG imports into China, and how have tariffs affected them?

Chinese customs data shows US LNG imports plummeted from 4.15 million tonnes in 2024 to just 26,000 tonnes in 2025 due to a 15% tariff imposed in February 2025 on top of an existing 10% tariff, resulting in a combined 25% duty; as a result, direct shipments have virtually ceased, with Chinese buyers redirecting long-term contract cargoes to other markets or using bonded facilities for re-export—such as the July 2025 cargo delivered to Yangpu terminal and re-exported to Shimizu, Japan on 9 September.

What conditions would be necessary for US LNG to resume direct imports into China?

According to a trader at a Chinese state-owned oil and gas company, removal of *both* the 15% LNG-specific tariff *and* the separate 10% tariff would be required—removing only the 15% tariff would still make US LNG non-viable; even with full tariff relief, resumption would depend on competitive delivered prices and sufficient Chinese demand, which has been weak in 2025, with overall LNG imports down 6.8% year-to-date through August.

Trump-Xi summit puts LNG tariffs in focus, but China demand clouds trade outlook

21 hours ago

President Xi Jinping's US visit highlights potential tariff relief on American LNG, though weak demand continues to suppress direct shipments. Customs data reveals US LNG imports collapsed to 26,000 tonnes in 2025 from 4.15 million tonnes in 2024 due to trade barriers.

icis

2026-09-23

Trump-Xi summit puts LNG tariffs in focus, but China demand clouds trade outlook

Trump-Xi summit puts LNG tariffs in focus, but China demand clouds trade outlook

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