China increased LNG imports in June 2025

According to the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, in June 2025, China imported 5.44 million tons of LNG (equivalent to 7.07 billion cubic meters of gas), which is the maximum since the beginning of the year. The increase in supplies is related to the summer peak in demand: in the second quarter, LNG imports steadily increased month after month. 

However, in annual terms, volumes remain lower – compared to June 2024, they decreased by 7% (then there were 5.9 million tons).

LNG is gradually giving way to pipeline supplies, which are technologically simpler and cheaper. In June, the volume of gas pipeline supplies amounted to 6.76 billion cubic meters, only 5% more than a year earlier. The growth was ensured by the planned increase in Gazprom's exports through the Power of Siberia, while some of the Central Asian suppliers reduced shipments.

In terms of LNG volume, China surpassed Japan for the second month in a row (4.44 million tons in June). Until May, Japan remained the world's largest importer.

The largest LNG suppliers to China remain Russian projects: Sakhalin Energy, Yamal LNG, Gazprom LNG Portovaya and Cryogaz-Vysotsk. Besides Russia, China also receives pipeline gas from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Myanmar.