Trade deal opens new markets to US LNG
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade deal was signed on 5 October, making it easier for US LNG to expand to new markets
The US and 11 other countries sealed the long-negotiated Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade deal on 5 October, making it easier for US liquefied natural gas exporters (LNG) to access major new markets, especially Japan. When evaluating proposed LNG export plants, the Department of Energy draws a distinction between those that plan to ship gas to countries that have free-trade agreements (FTA) with the US and those that don’t. For those that don’t, a longer, more complex and costlier permitting process is required, which has been a source of irritation and complaint from the burgeoning natural gas export industry. “TPP will address current barriers to global markets,” Stefan Selig, a
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices






