Sluggish Chinese LNG Demand Could Set Stage for Strong Rebound in 2026

China, the world’s largest LNG importer, is likely to remain on the sidelines for the remainder of the year and continue to keep Asian natural gas demand subdued, but analysts think that could change heading into 2026.

Strong nuclear output and coal-fired power generation have helped meet power load in Asia amid heatwaves this summer. Since the beginning of the year, Asian LNG imports have fallen by 6% to 156.35 million tons (Mt), when compared to the same period in 2024, according to Kpler.

Meanwhile, a round of maintenance that just ended and new facilities bringing more LNG to the market, such as LNG Canada, have had the Japan-Korea Marker trading at some of its lowest levels in weeks.