Japan, South Korea, Taiwan Explore Alaska LNG Collaboration

Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are considering collaboration on the $44 billion Alaska LNG project, which involves building a major pipeline and export facility to deliver natural gas from Alaska's North Slope to Asian markets. The project, which has faced delays due to high costs and investment challenges, is a priority for the Trump administration as part of efforts to expand US energy exports and strengthen ties with Asian allies. Japanese energy companies, including JERA, view Alaska as a promising source for LNG supplies, particularly as Japan seeks to diversify its energy portfolio amid ongoing trade tensions with the US. Participation in the project is being leveraged as a bargaining chip in ongoing tariff negotiations, with potential investments possibly leading to reduced US tariffs on Asian goods. However, Asian partners remain cautious about the economic viability of the project, especially given the absence of major US energy companies and the reliance on Japan's private sector for investment. The upcoming summit in Anchorage will bring together US officials and Asian leaders to advance discussions on the project and explore concrete agreements.