Xi Jinping's Washington Visit Aims to Revive $6B US LNG Trade

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Washington on September 24, 2026, in what will be his first state visit to the US in over a decade. The trip marks an opportunity for both sides to revive a key trade relationship that has been strained since 2025.

The story begins in February 2025 when Beijing imposed a 15% tariff on US liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, effectively shutting off the tap. Prior to this, Chinese imports of US LNG were valued at $6.2 billion in 2021.

As part of the negotiations leading up to Xi's visit, a tentative framework has been established for a reciprocal tariff reduction package worth approximately $30 billion across goods from both countries. This includes agricultural products, which are reportedly being discussed as part of the deal.