China’s resales of Australian LNG strengthens case for prioritising domestic users
The Queensland government warned against redirecting existing gas production from LNG exports to the domestic market, saying the focus should instead be on encouraging new investment and supply. IEEFA estimated that China resold 17-19 million tonnes of LNG abroad in 2025 from the US, Australia and other global suppliers, a volume similar to China's total LNG imports from Australia. IEEFA further estimated that Chinese charterers earned more than USD1.1 billion, equivalent to AUD1.6 billion, from reselling Australian LNG to other Asia-Pacific countries between 2021 and the first half of 2026.
Why it matters: The resale of Australian gas by its largest buyers bears on energy security, because eastern Australian consumers face forecast shortages while the cheapest available gas is exported and onsold.