An LNG tanker at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal
LNG gets political
From China blocking US LNG to Trump demanding that various countries import more of the fuel, the politicisation of LNG is on the rise
The severing of LNG trade between the world’s largest exporter, the US, and its top importer, China, has not triggered any major upheaval in global flows of the fuel, largely owing to the limited volumes involved. China imported just 4.2mt of US LNG in 2024, according to its customs data—only around 5% of its total imports and a similarly small share of US exports. In short, neither country is particularly reliant on the other for energy security, despite their outsized presence in the global LNG market. Nonetheless, the breakdown is significant as it highlights a growing shift in LNG trade. A market that usually offers versatile supply and is commercially driven, is becoming more fragmented
Also in this section
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal
