Japan's US LNG imports hit one of the highest levels on record in July as it replaces Qatari cargoes

With Qatari LNG exports disrupted by the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Japan has sharply increased its imports of liquefied natural gas from the United States. According to Kpler data cited by news agencies, Japan's US LNG imports are expected to reach about 940,000 tonnes in July 2026, the third-highest on record and almost 15 times the 60,000 tonnes of February, the last month before the conflict began.

Asian buyers, who take more than 80% of Qatar's exports, have turned to the US, the world's largest LNG exporter, to cover the shortfall.