Two months after Hormuz blockade, China LNG imports return to year-ago levels

The Strait of Hormuz blockade since late February 2026 cut off about 46% of China's Middle Eastern gas supply, causing LNG imports to plummet for two straight months. After two months of supply chain restructuring, imports recovered to year-ago levels in May-June. Non-Middle Eastern supply share rose from 65% to 82% in H1 2026, with Russia and Canada emerging as key alternative sources, validating the resilience of China's diversification strategy.

The escalation of Middle East geopolitical tensions in late February 2026 effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, blocking nearly 20% of global LNG seaborne trade and cutting off about 46% of China's Middle Eastern gas supply. LNG imports plunged 19%-23% in March-April, with April hitting an