Trump presses South Korea on Alaska LNG as Asian buyers weigh supply

· Finance · United States · South Korea

President Trump told South Korea to sign on to an Alaska LNG deal or face higher charges, as Seoul remains cautious about the investment projects he has announced. The pressure comes as Saudi Arabia and the UAE move to bolster Asia's oil reserves and a Japanese refiner argues for keeping cheap Middle East crude.

Why it matters：It highlights mounting geopolitical pressure over energy supply and pricing in Asia, where buyers balance cheaper Middle East crude against US-backed alternatives.

Key points

  • Trump linked South Korean participation to higher charges if it declines.
  • Seoul has been cautious about the announced US investment projects.
  • Saudi Arabia and the UAE are moving to bolster Asia's oil reserves.

Sources (original reporting)

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