Xi Jinping is expected in Washington on September 24, 2026 for the first state visit by a Chinese leader in more than ten years, with reviving US liquefied natural gas trade at the heart of the discussions. China imposed a 15% tariff on US LNG in February 2025, causing American shipments to drop from 64 vessels in 2024 to zero in 2025, while Chinese imports of US LNG were valued at $6.2 billion in 2021. Negotiations center on a reciprocal tariff reduction package worth roughly $30 billion, with no official confirmation from either government. A 20-year supply agreement between China Gas Holdings and Venture Global was signed on September 14, committing to 0.5 million metric tons of US LNG annually starting in 2030. US LNG export capacity is nonetheless growing rapidly regardless of Chinese purchases.
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