LNG shipping rates are up from lows but trade war raises new risks
- Atlantic spot rates have rebounded to over $40,000 per day, close to levels at this time last year. Pacific spot rates are only $22,500 per day
- Three-year period rates are at $53,950 per day, the highest since late November, but they are still less than a quarter of levels two years ago
- The Trump administration’s support of new US liquefaction projects is positive for LNG shipping — but tariffs are negative
European demand for US LNG has buoyed spot rates in the Atlantic, while a slump in Chinese demand has kept the pressure on rates in the Pacific