The U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector is pushing back against former President Donald Trump’s new shipping fees targeting Chinese-built vessels, calling the rules a "logistical and economic nightmare." 🌍⚡️
In recent letters to U.S. officials, the American Petroleum Institute (API)—representing the industry—argued the fees would spike costs, threaten America’s global LNG leadership, and be impossible to follow, per the Financial Times. Why? The U.S. currently has zero LNG carriers built domestically, and shipyards can’t meet the 2029 deadline to make them. 💸🚢
The rules, part of Trump’s push to revive U.S. manufacturing, require LNG exporters to use American ships or pay fines when docking Chinese-built vessels. Despite a three-year delay and 22-year phase-in period secured by lobbyists, the API insists compliance is "unattainable" due to production gaps. China has criticized the policy as "self-harming," claiming it disrupts global trade.
Analysts warn this energy battle could dent U.S. exports to key markets like Asia and Europe—regions relying heavily on LNG amid shifting climate policies. Will the feud reshuffle global energy dynamics? Stay tuned. 🔥⚖️
