JERA, the leading power generator in Japan, might consider Alaska as a possible supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG), an executive mentioned on Monday, as Japanese representatives travel to the United States this week for another session of tariff discussions.
Alaska LNG, a planned $44 billion initiative that includes a pipeline and an LNG facility, has been a central element of President Donald Trump's strategy in engaging with Asian allies, as he aims for Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan to support this enormous endeavor.
Naohiro Maekawa, a JERA executive stated, "From the perspective of energy security and supply stability... we would like to consider Alaska as one of the promising suppliers, among various other options."
Trump has imposed 24% tariffs on Japan's exports to the US, but, similar to many of his tariffs, they have been suspended until early July to provide space for discussions. A 10% general rate is still in effect, along with a 25% tariff on automobiles, which is a staple of Japan's export-driven economy.
Japan's trade representative Ryosei Akazawa is scheduled to engage in a new round of tariff discussions with US officials later this week.
JERA is Japan's largest LNG purchaser, acquiring approximately 35 million metric tons annually for both local consumption and trading purposes. Japan ranks as the second largest purchaser of LNG globally, following China, with Australia being its primary supplier.
Mitsubishi Corp, a Japanese trading company, may look into investing in Alaska LNG, but its CEO stated earlier this month that any decision will need thorough examination.
A source knowledgeable about the situation informed Reuters last week that Trump's energy security council intends to convene a summit in Alaska in early June, anticipating that Japan and South Korea will declare commitments to the Alaska LNG project.