Paris: TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne has called on Europe to negotiate a free-trade guarantee for US liquefied natural gas (LNG), citing concerns over an increasingly unpredictable global trade environment.
His remarks come as US President Donald Trump imposes new tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting Beijing to retaliate with a 15% levy on US LNG and 10% on US crude oil.
Speaking after TotalEnergies’ Q4 earnings announcement, Pouyanne highlighted that US LNG export capacity is set to double in the coming years. However, he warned of the risks associated with over-reliance on a single supplier, even if it is an ally.
“What happens if the US suddenly decides to restrict LNG exports? We must not replace over-dependence on Russia with over-dependence on another country,” he cautioned.
While Trump has threatened Europe with tariffs, none have been imposed yet, leaving businesses facing uncertainty.
The US supplied 43% of the EU’s LNG imports last year, making it the bloc’s largest supplier, according to Kpler data. The European Commission has refrained from banning Russian LNG in its latest sanctions package, as member states stress the need to secure alternative sources, including from the US.
