US LNG vessels leave for China after year-long pause ahead of Trump-Xi summit

• U.S. LNG shipments to China dropped dramatically from 64 vessels in 2024 to just four in 2025 (all before Trump's second term began in January 2025), compared to a record 131 vessels in 2021
• Three tankers from Cheniere Energy and Venture Global departed May 5-8 and are expected to arrive at China's Tianjin port between June 15-20, the first direct shipments since February 2025
• China has increasingly relied on pipeline imports from Russia and Central Asia during the pause, with analysts noting Beijing likely views the U.S. as an 'unreliable trade partner' despite holding long-term LNG contracts

Summary: US LNG Vessels Resume Direct Shipments to China After Year-Long Pause

Key Development: Three LNG tankers departed Louisiana facilities in early May 2026, marking the resumption of direct US-to-China LNG shipments after more than a year-long pause. The vessels are expected to arrive at China's Tianjin port between June 15-20, ahead of a scheduled Trump-Xi summit.

Companies and Facilities:

• Cheniere Energy (largest US LNG producer): Umm Al Hanaya vessel departed Sabine Pass facility May 5
• Venture Global (second-largest): Al Sailiya and Id'Asah vessels departed Plaquemines facility May 8

Critical Data Points:

• Last direct shipment: February 2025 (loaded December 2024)
• Only 4 direct shipments in 2025, all departing before Trump's January 2025 inauguration
• Stark decline from 64 vessels in 2024, 52 in 2023, and a record 131 in 2021
• Two vessels made partial deliveries in 2025-2026 after offloading in Bangladesh

Market Context:

Chinese buyers have long-term US LNG contracts but redirected cargoes to other countries over the past year due to trade tensions and profit opportunities from price differentials. Recent market disruptions increased resale margins further.

Strategic Implications:

China has shifted reliance toward pipeline imports from Russia and Central Asia. Analysts suggest Beijing views the US as an "unreliable trade partner," preferring domestic production and cheaper pipeline sources. The shipment resumption may signal tentative thawing of energy relations, though structural concerns remain about supply security amid ongoing US-China tensions.