Australian LNG Exporters Get Caught up in China Trade War

摘要

Canberra's deteriorating relationship with China could hurt Australian LNG exporters,Chinese industry insiders tell Energy Intelligence.They predict that Beijing could disrupt LNG imports from Australia in much the same way it has US imports amid an ongoing trade war with Washington.Nothing will likely happen during the winter heating season in northern China,which runs from November to March,since Beijing is determined to ensure that gas doesn't run short.But once winter is over,all bets are off.China is a massive buyer of Australian LNG,second only to Japan.It accounted for 37% of Australian exports last year,with the 28 miUion ton intake making up around 40% of its LNG imports (WGI Nov.11'20).Sources nonetheless believe that Beijing is confident domestic and global oversupply would enable it to find alternatives should disruptions occur.