A reduction or removal of China’s 15% tariff on U.S. LNG could reopen an important energy trade route between the two countries and make energy a significant component of U.S.-China trade negotiations ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting.
The United States and China are discussing a possible reduction or removal of China’s 15% tariff on U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG). The tariff was imposed by China in February 2025. The discussions come ahead of Xi Jinping’s planned visit to Washington and his scheduled meeting with Donald Trump on September 24, 2026.
The tariffs had effectively halted U.S. LNG trade with China. U.S. producers are now seeking to regain access to the Chinese market as American LNG export capacity continues to expand. Around 25M tonnes of U.S. LNG capacity reportedly remains without long-term sales contracts.
A reduction or removal of the LNG tariff could form part of a broader U.S.-China trade arrangement covering energy, agriculture, and reciprocal tariff reductions. However, as of September 19, 2026, no final agreement on LNG tariffs has been announced.