China Sets Record for LNG Re-Exports Amid Weak Domestic Demand

In April 2025, China recorded an all-time high in re-exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, re-export volumes surpassed 280,000 tons, marking the highest monthly figure since records began. This amount accounted for 7.7% of China’s total LNG imports during the month.

Factors Behind the Surge in Re-Exports

Several key factors contributed to the surge in LNG re-exports from China:

• Weak domestic demand.A mild winter combined with robust storage reserves reduced the need for additional supplies of liquefied natural gas within the country.

• Attractive international prices.Higher profitability opportunities abroad encouraged Chinese companies to redirect LNG shipments to external markets.

• Reliable energy infrastructure.Well-developed storage capacities allowed China to maintain energy security while engaging in flexible market strategies.

Impact on the Global Energy Market

China’s increased LNG re-exports are likely to have significant repercussions for the global energy landscape:

• Support for European importers.Additional LNG supplies are expected to help European nations replenish their gas inventories, especially in the face of reduced Russian pipeline flows.

• Potential easing of price pressures.The injection of extra LNG volumes into the global market could contribute to stabilizing gas prices worldwide.

• Enhanced supply diversification.China's re-exports are adding new layers of geographic diversification for countries seeking to broaden their energy supply sources.

Context: Shifting Dynamics in the LNG Market

The developments in China's LNG trade reflect broader trends shaping the energy sector:

• A move toward more flexible energy trading arrangements.

• Increasing competition among global LNG suppliers.

• The impact of weather patterns on energy consumption trends.

• Asia’s rising importance in the global LNG landscape.

In this evolving environment, importing nations are focusing on securing supplies during periods of abundance while simultaneously crafting long-term strategies for energy resilience.

Conclusion

China’s record-breaking LNG re-exports in April 2025 mark a significant event for the global natural gas market. Weak domestic demand and favorable international pricing created an opportunity for China to boost external sales, offering relief to international buyers — particularly in Europe.

These shifts underscore the growing need for adaptability and strategic foresight among energy players as they navigate a world of changing climatic, economic, and geopolitical factors.