China natural gas imports and exports up 7.75% and 29.42% MoM in May

In May 2026, China's natural gas imports rose 7.75% month-on-month to 5,248,800 tonnes, while exports increased 29.42% to 250,300 tonnes. The import growth was driven by summer power preparation and increased Russian supply, while exports benefited from higher demand in Hong Kong and Macao. June imports are expected to reach 5.43 million tonnes, up 3.45% month-on-month.

The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) data show China's natural gas imports reached 5,248,800 tonnes in May 2026, up 7.75% from April, while exports stood at 250,300 tonnes, up 29.42% month-on-month. January-May cumulative imports totaled 23,840,600 tonnes, down 1.48% year-on-year, while cumulative exports