Trump-Xi Deal Could Open Floodgates for US LNG Exports

When President Donald Trump meets Xi Jinping in Washington this week, a potential government-level deal to reopen U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales to China is at the forefront of discussions.

The move would not only create a natural gas boon for the US but also crush Iran's energy revenue, as China becomes less exposed to the Gulf system that Iran can choke.

U.S. and Chinese officials have reportedly discussed reducing or eliminating Beijing’s 15% tariff on American LNG as part of a broader energy and agriculture package.

A commercial contract for 20-year deal with Venture Global for 500,000 tons a year starting in 2030 has already been signed, lifting that buyer’s long-term U.S. commitments to 2.5 million tons annually.