Japan to Overtake China as World's Top LNG Importer in 2026

Analysts at ICIS and Kpler project Japan will edge out China as the largest LNG importer in 2026, with imports of 62 million tons versus China's 61 million. This shift, the first since 2022, is driven by high LNG prices and ample Chinese storage curbing demand. The change reflects structural demand trends in Asia's two largest economies and could influence global LNG pricing dynamics.

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