China to see a LNG import gap of 2.696 million tonnes in Q2

China LNG imports in April are estimated at 3.27 million tonnes, down 18.3% month-on-month and 29.5% year-on-year. With May and June arrivals forecast at 4.34 million tonnes and 4.48 million tonnes respectively, the second quarter is expected to see a total import gap of around 2.696 million tonnes.

Given geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, China's LNG imports are expected to decline year-on-year in Q2 2026. However, as Golden Pass LNG capacities come online ahead of schedule, the global tight balance is expected to ease around September. China's LNG imports in April are estimated at 3.27 million tonnes,