Taiwan Eyes Alaskan Natural Gas to Balance U.S. Trade Surplus

Taiwan is considering increasing natural gas imports from Alaska to help reduce its trade surplus with the United States, the economy ministry announced on Monday. The move comes as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to impose reciprocal tariffs on major trading partners, aiming to reshape global trade in America's favor.

Taiwan’s trade surplus with the U.S. surged 83% last year, reaching a record $111.4 billion, largely due to high-tech exports like semiconductors. To address this, state-run energy firm CPC is actively assessing the feasibility of purchasing more Alaskan natural gas, the ministry stated, without providing further details.

According to Taiwan’s Central News Agency, CPC is in talks with an undisclosed Alaskan company regarding potential gas deals. Currently, most of Taiwan’s natural gas comes from Australia and Qatar, while U.S. imports account for about 10% of its supply. CPC has been receiving liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from Cheniere Energy under a 25-year contract signed in 2018, just before then-President Tsai Ing-wen visited the U.S.

Taiwan Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei suggested the island could follow Japan’s lead in boosting U.S. energy imports. Trump recently announced Japan’s record LNG purchase following discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

By increasing natural gas imports from the U.S., Taiwan aims to strengthen trade relations while mitigating potential tariff risks.