Following the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th US President, he promptly began to implement his campaign promises and reshape US politics. On his first working day, Trump signed several dozen decrees and executive orders, marking a significant shift in US domestic and foreign policy.
In the energy sector, Trump’s administration lifted the moratorium on issuing new US liquefied natural gas (LNG) export licenses, which had been in place since 2024. The moratorium was introduced to allegedly study the impact of US LNG exports on the climate, economy and national security. Experts, however, warned of the risks of a massive delay in US LNG production, which could have negative consequences for global gas supply and security.
The lifting of the moratorium has brought relief to the global gas market, particularly for European importers, who had been concerned about the potential shortage of LNG supplies. However, some energy analysts fear that Trump may use the US LNG as a political tool in negotiations with the EU, echoing Russia’s use of gas as a political weapon.
German experts have also expressed concerns, as the country has become increasingly dependent on US LNG imports, with over 80% of its LNG terminals relying on US supplies. The German Environmental Association (DUH) has warned of the risks of becoming over-reliant on US gas and the potential for a “dirty deal” between the US and the EU, where the US would demand the purchase of more fracking gas in exchange for lower tariffs.
The article concludes that if the EU is to avoid being blackmailed by the US, it must stop the construction of new LNG terminals and ban the import of US fracking gas, which is more expensive and climate-damaging than alternative sources.