15:23 - 28.09.2026

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September 28, Fineko/abc.az. China, the world's top LNG importer, is reshaping into a major global trading powerhouse by re-exporting surplus volumes triggered by slowing domestic demand.

According to an IEEFA report, China's LNG imports are projected to drop from a peak of 79 million tons in 2021 to 63 million tons this year.

Leveraging flexible long-term supply contracts from the US and Australia, Chinese energy giants (led by CNOOC and PetroChina) generated $4.6 billion in profits from LNG re-sales between 2021 and 2026. In 2025 alone, China re-sold 17–19 million tons (26-29% of its imports) to over 20 countries, including South Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, and Turkey.

With total contract capacity expected to hit 114 million tons by 2028, China is cementing its role as a key portfolio player in global energy markets.