China’s LNG imports increased 12.6 percent in 2023

China’s liquefied natural gas imports rose 12.6 percent in 2023, and the country overtook Japan as the world’s largest LNG importer.

Data from the General Administration of Customs shows that China received about 71.32 million tonnes in the January-December period.

This is a rise compared to about 63.44 million tonnes of LNG in 2022 when imports dropped due to very high spot LNG prices and Covid lockdowns.

China’s 2023 LNG imports dropped compared to record 78.93 million tonnes in 2021.

Last month, China received about 8.40 million tonnes, a rise of 28.4 percent compared to December 2022.

This is the highest monthly figure for Chinese LNG imports last year, the data shows.

Prior to that, LNG imports in November were the highest last year reaching 6.80 million tonnes, a rise of 6.6 percent on the year.

Including pipeline gas, China’s gas imports rose by 9.9 percent to about 119.97 million tonnes in 2023.

The country’s pipeline gas imports rose by 6.2 percent in January-December to 48.65 million tonnes, the data shows.

World’s largest LNG importer

Japan was the world’s top LNG importer in 2022, overtaking China, but both of the countries took fewer volumes when compared to the year before.

China has overtaken Japan this year. However, official data for Japan’s December LNG imports is not available yet.

During the January-November period, Japan imported some 59.85 million tonnes, down by about 3.14 million tonnes compared to China’s volumes.

Including China’s December volumes, the difference is about 11.54 million tonnes.

According to reports, Japan imported between 6-7 million tonnes of LNG in December.

Most Popular

Shell adds another LNG carrier to its fleet

A unit of UK-based LNG giant Shell has added another chartered liquefied natural gas carrier to its fleet.

Chevron, China’s ENN seal second LNG SPA

US energy giant Chevron has signed a second LNG sales and purchase agreement with Chinese independent gas distributor ENN.

Venture Global gets OK to introduce gas to final Plaquemines LNG block

US LNG exporter Venture Global LNG has received approval from the US FERC to introduce natural gas to the 18th and final liquefaction block at the Plaquemines LNG terminal in Louisiana as part of the plant’s commissioning process.

More News Like This

China’s CNOOC hits new Zhuhai LNG milestone

China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) has reached a new milestone at its Zhuhai LNG import terminal in Guangdong.

China’s LNG imports down 6.7 percent in July

China reported a 6.7 percent drop in its LNG imports in July, while its pipeline gas imports increased by 4.8 percent compared to the same month last year.

China’s gas imports down in July

China's natural gas imports, including pipeline gas and LNG, dropped by 2.1 percent last month compared to July 2024, according to customs data.

Yangzijiang wraps up roof raising on two LNG storage tanks

Chinese private shipyard Yangzijiang Shipbuilding has completed raising the roofs on two LNG storage tanks at its Yangzi Jiasheng terminal.