Editorial comment

According to GIIGNL’s 2018 Annual Report, global LNG trade expanded by 3.5 Bft3d in 2018, to 38.2 Bft3d—a record 10% increase. Among the 19 exporters, the US and Australia contributed more than 75% (2.7 Bft3d) of the increase volume. Asia led the growth in LNG imports among the world’s 40 importers, accounting for 74% (2.6 Bft3d) of the increase volume. China measured the largest expansion in imports, prompted by coal-to-gas switching. The increasing prominence of Asian importers in LNG trade was confirmed by speakers at the LNG Industry Breakfast at the Offshore Technology Conference in May. Takuma Iino, Deputy Director of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Division at Japan’s METI, said that