China imported 3.59 million metric tons of Russian liquefied natural gas in the first half of 2026, a 27.8% increase year-on-year, according to data from the General Administration of Customs.
The value of these imports rose by 8.2% to $1.81 billion, indicating that the volume growth outpaced price increases during the period.
The International Energy Agency reported earlier that Russia increased its total LNG exports by 8% in the first half of 2026, adding 2 billion cubic meters to its shipments.
The surge in bilateral gas trade highlights the structural shift in global energy flows as Russia redirects exports away from traditional European markets toward Asia.
While the absolute volume remains a fraction of China's total LNG intake, the pace of growth signals sustained demand from Chinese buyers for Russian supply.
This development aligns with broader trends in Russian export strategy.
The International Energy Agency reported earlier that Russia increased its total LNG exports by 8% in the first half of 2026, adding 2 billion cubic meters to its shipments.