Global Weekly LNG Imports Slipped 5%

Global weekly LNG imports declined by 5% to 7.5mn tons during 11-17 March, amid less volumes into South Korea and China, while NW European shipments also slipped according to BNEF.

• South Korean LNG imports declined by 0.33mn tons last week to 0.68mn tons, while Japanese imports were mostly stable on the week.
• China imported 1.21mn tons of LNG last week, down from 1.48mn tons the week prior.
• NW Europe and Italy imported 1.17mn tons of LNG last week, down from 1.55mn tons the week prior, led by lower shipments into France and the UK.
• Global weekly LNG exports declined by 9% on the week to 7.7mn tons.
• Australian LNG shipments last week slipped by 0.16mn tons to 1.49mn tons, as shipments from Gorgon and North West Shelf declined by two and one, possibly due to major storms in the region.
• US LNG exports edged down by 0.06mn tons last week to 1.82mn tons. Exports from Freeport may not fully resume until May due to ongoing repairs at Train 1 and Train 2 at the export plant.
• Malaysian LNG shipments further declined last week to 0.52mn tons, down from 0.56mn tons the week prior, due to production issues at the Bintulu LNG export facility. Train 4 shut earlier this month for unplanned works.