Russia Surpasses Malaysia as China's Second-Largest LNG Supplier

Russia's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to China surged by 43% in July 2026 compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of 951,000 tons. This growth allowed Russia to become China's second-largest LNG supplier, surpassing Malaysia.

The increase occurred despite a general decline in China's LNG imports, which fell 19% year-on-year to 5.16 million tons. Australia remains the top supplier, while Russia and Malaysia continue to compete for the second position.

Russian fuel remains a priority due to long-term contracts and reliable logistics, according to market analyst Gennady Chernov. He noted that Russian companies' adaptability played a significant role in this growth.