Asia Ramps Up US Energy Imports to Ease Trade Imbalances and Dodge Trump Tariffs

April 17, 2025 – DailyForex.pk
Amid rising tariff pressures from the Trump administration, several Asian countries are moving quickly to increase energy imports from the United States in an effort to reduce their trade surpluses and soften the blow of potential duties.

The shift marks a significant strategic pivot, especially as Asia remains a major energy-consuming region, and many of these countries run large trade surpluses with Washington—putting them directly in the crosshairs of U.S. tariff policy.

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🇮🇩 Indonesia Plans $10 Billion Boost in US Oil & LPG Imports

Indonesia’s Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia revealed plans to raise U.S. crude oil and LPG imports by around $10 billion. This move, he said, is aimed at helping offset the country’s trade imbalance with the U.S. during ongoing tariff negotiations.

The proposal includes increasing the LPG import quota from the U.S. and securing more crude oil imports, a strategy expected to form a core part of Indonesia’s future trade talks with Washington.

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🇵🇰 Pakistan Considers First-Ever US Crude Oil Imports

For the first time, Pakistan is evaluating importing U.S. crude oil, a significant shift from its current energy sourcing strategy. According to a senior government source and a refinery executive, the aim is to purchase about $1 billion worth of U.S. oil, mirroring the country’s existing oil and refined product imports.

The move is seen as an attempt to ease the trade imbalance that contributed to higher U.S. tariffs on Pakistani exports.

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🇮🇳 India May Scrap Import Taxes on US LNG and Ethane

India is exploring the possibility of eliminating import taxes on U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG), ethane, and LPG in a bid to increase energy imports and reduce trade tensions with the U.S.

According to four industry and government insiders, GAIL India Ltd—the country’s top LNG buyer—is already planning a stake acquisition in a U.S.-based LNG project, paired with a 15-year gas import deal.

This approach aligns with India’s broader efforts to balance its trade account and build strategic energy partnerships with the United States.

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🇹🇭 Thailand to Import Over 1 Million Tons of US LNG

Thailand has committed to significant increases in LNG and ethane imports from the U.S. over the next five years. According to the finance ministry:

• A 15-year LNG import plan beginning in 2026 includes 1 million tons annually, valued at $500 million
• A second contract is being negotiated for over 1 million tons of additional U.S. LNG
• Thailand will also import 400,000 tons of U.S. ethane worth $100 million over four years

This long-term strategy aims to secure energy stability while strengthening economic ties with Washington.

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❄️ Alaska LNG Project Seeks Asian Backers Amid Tariff Push

The U.S. is promoting its $44 billion Alaska LNG project as a key solution for balancing trade deficits with major Asian economies. The project envisions transporting natural gas via a 1,300-km pipeline from northern Alaska to the Pacific coast, allowing exports to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan—without relying on the Panama Canal.

• Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp is considering investment but has not confirmed a decision
• South Korea may send a delegation to Alaska for further discussions
• Taiwan’s CPC Corp has already signed an agreement to import LNG and invest in the project, which President Lai Ching-te hailed as essential for the island’s energy security

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📌 Conclusion: Energy Becomes Key in US-Asia Trade Rebalancing

As tariff threats reshape global trade flows, Asian nations are embracing U.S. oil, LNG, and LPG to reduce trade surpluses and shield their economies. With energy imports emerging as a diplomatic lever, countries like Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and Thailand are deepening their engagement with U.S. energy markets—offering a new dynamic in global economic strategy.

📊 For more updates on energy trade, tariff negotiations, and forex market implications, visit www.dailyforex.pk – your trusted source for global economic news.