Asian buyers turn to US LNG to avoid potential Trump tariff pressure

Asian nations, including South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan, are increasing imports of US liquefied natural gas (LNG). The move aims to reduce their trade surpluses with America and mitigate the impact of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto announced Tuesday that the country plans to increase purchases of US goods, including LNG. Thailand is also evaluating expanded imports, while Donald Trump confirmed talks about "large-scale" energy purchases with South Korean officials.

Meanwhile, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are exploring potential investments in a long-delayed $44 billion Alaskan LNG export project. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the project's implementation would help reduce America's trade deficit.

LNG has emerged as a strategic tool for rebalancing trade relations, with the US maintaining its position as the world's top supplier of the fuel.

Against the background of increased interest in American gas from countries in the region, China adopted the opposite position. Imposing retaliatory tariffs, Beijing redirected contracted supplies from the US to Europe and other Asian nations, according to Bloomberg.