Trump Announces Taiwan Deal for Alaska LNG Project

On October 13, 2026, President Donald Trump told a campaign rally in Wasilla, Alaska that Taiwan had agreed to purchase 30 percent of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) that would be produced by the proposed Alaska pipeline. He said the arrangement would span the next 20 years and that Taiwan would invest $4.4 billion in the project. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who also appeared at the rally, echoed the investment figure. The announcement came as Trump campaigned for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections.

CNBC

The Alaska LNG project, developed by Alaska Gasline Development Corp, is designed to export up to 20 million metric tons of super-chilled natural gas annually. If completed, the pipeline would give U.S. LNG direct access to Asian markets, bypassing the Panama Canal and the Cape of Good Hope, thereby shortening transit times and lowering costs. Taiwan, which imports more than 90 percent of its energy, has been seeking to diversify supplies. Its state-owned energy firm CPC Corp signed an agreement with the Alaska developer last year, and Taiwan’s economic affairs ministry projects electricity demand growth of about 2.5 percent per year through 2035, the second-highest forecast in its history.

Reuters

President Trump framed the deal as a win for U.S. energy exports and highlighted Senator Dan Sullivan’s role in securing foreign investment. Commerce Secretary Lutnick confirmed the $4.4 billion investment commitment. Taiwan’s economy ministry declined to comment on the specific terms of the agreement.

Reuters

• 30 percent of projected LNG output earmarked for Taiwan.

Reuters

• $4.4 billion Taiwanese investment in the pipeline.

Reuters

• $50 billion already pledged by South Korea for the same project.

CNBC

• Expected first gas delivery 2029.

CNBC

• Pipeline capacity 20 million metric tons per year.

Reuters

• “Taiwan has just agreed to buy 30% of the gas coming off the pipeline for the next 20 years,” — Washington. Trump, president

CNBC

• “We'll also invest $4.4 billion into the project, on top of $50 billion already committed by South Korea to Alaska,” — Washington. Trump, president

CNBC

• “I have to say that Dan Sullivan helped me get this done. Thank you, Dan,” — Washington. Trump, president

The Hill

• “The United States is already the largest natural gas producer and exporter in the world, and this pipeline will help us expand those exports even further,” — Washington. Trump, president

The Hill