Chinese LNG imports rise 25% in June

Chinese LNG imports recorded significant growth in June, reaching 5.96mn metric tons (mn mt), representing a year-on-year increase of 24.4%, according to data published by the customs department on July 18.

The rise in LNG imports during the first six months of the year was also notable, standing at 33.44mn mt, up 7.2% compared with the same period last year.

In terms of pipeline gas imports, China received 4.43mn mt in July, indicating a 13.7% yr/yr growth. Cumulatively, the country's pipeline gas imports during the year reached 23.19mn, reflecting a 3.9% yr/yr rise.

Chinese LNG imports for the full year 2023 are likely to see a small increase, according to Reuters market analyst John Kemp. The import rebound could be smaller than some analysts anticipate because domestic gas production is rising strongly and the country has mostly completed its transition to natural gas for urban residents, Kemp wrote.