Shipping data shows a rebound in China’s liquefied natural gas imports, though volumes remain below the five-year average.
China’s liquefied natural gas imports have climbed from April’s eight-year low, with the 30-day moving average reaching its highest level since late February. The increase follows a sharp decline in April, when imports hit their lowest point since 2016.
Despite the rebound, volumes remain below the five-year average. Analysts had previously forecast China’s LNG imports would average 3.5 million tons this year, a 30% drop from 2023 and the lowest since 2018.
The recovery suggests a modest improvement in demand, though structural challenges persist in the sector.