Story perspectives

China Cuts U.S. LNG Imports, Turns to Russia

4/19/2025

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Summary

China Suspends U.S. LNG

China suspended U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports on February 6, following a 15% tariff increase.
The tariff has escalated to 49%, rendering U.S. LNG economically unfeasible for China.
China is boosting LNG imports from Russia, which supplied four times more gas than the U.S. last year.
Experts foresee lasting impacts on U.S. LNG contracts and a closer energy alliance between China and Russia.
U.S. LNG's share in China's imports fell to 6% last year, down from 11% in 2021.

Summary

U.S. Tariff Escalation

The U.S. has enacted 145% tariffs on most Chinese imports, with China responding with 125% tariffs on U.S. goods.
Tariffs on clean energy products, especially lithium-ion batteries, threaten U.S. manufacturing and energy costs.
China's dominance in essential battery metals raises supply chain vulnerability concerns for U.S. industries.
In 2024, the U.S. relied on China for 70% of its lithium-ion battery imports.
Economic instability may cause temporary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

History

Historical Context

China's recent suspension of U.S. LNG imports mirrors the 2014 sanctions against Russia after its annexation of Crimea. Both events illustrate how geopolitical tensions reshape energy alliances, pushing nations like China to strengthen ties with alternative suppliers, notably Russia, in response to economic pressures from the U.S.

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China Suspends U.S. LNG

China suspended U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports on February 6, following a 15% tariff increase.
The tariff has escalated to 49%, rendering U.S. LNG economically unfeasible for China.
China is boosting LNG imports from Russia, which supplied four times more gas than the U.S. last year.
Experts foresee lasting impacts on U.S. LNG contracts and a closer energy alliance between China and Russia.
U.S. LNG's share in China's imports fell to 6% last year, down from 11% in 2021.

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