China's LNG imports soar while demand is lower in the Europe
In recent news, China's liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports have risen to an impressive 5.96 million metric tons in June, marking a 28% increase from last year's purchased amount of 4.64 million metric tons. This is also an improvement from May's 5.54 million metric tons, setting an impressive record in five months.
However, the weak demand in certain regions, particularly Europe, has kept prices low at USD 9 per million British thermal units. This marks a significant decline from the record high of USD 70.50 in August 2020 and the lowest since April 2021.
Request Access For the Latest Price Trends of Natural Gas
Europe imported 9.5 million metric tons in June, marking a decrease from May's 12.11 million and the lowest monthly total since August 2022. On the other hand, Asia's imports of U.S. LNG increased in June to 1.34 million metric tons, marking an improvement from May's 1.21 million and the most since February. China and Asia have now become the USA's biggest LNG customers, whereas Europe held that position last year when it purchased as much as 65% of U.S. output.
Furthermore, Cheniere Energy, the largest producer of LNG in the United States, signed a long-term LNG sale and purchase agreement with China's ENN Energy Holdings. This agreement entails that ENN will purchase approximately 1.8 million metric tons/year of LNG on a free-on-board basis at Henry Hub prices for a 20-year term. Deliveries will commence in mid-2026, with a ramp-up to 0.9 million tonnes per annum in 2027. These developments are significant for the global energy market and are poised to impact future trade relations between the U.S. and Asia.
Read More About Natural Gas Production Cost Reports - Get Free Sample Copy in PDF
According to Procurement Resource, in June 2023, China showed an increase in its LNG imports, while Europe's demand for it remains low. The U.S. is now finding China and Asia to be its biggest LNG customers, while Europe depends more on its own gas reserves. Furthermore, the U.S. is also expanding its LNG production capacity and has established long-term contracts with China's ENN.
