TotalEnergies CEO Calls for Free-Trade Guarantee on U.S. LNG Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné has urged Europe to secure a free-trade guarantee on U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG), emphasizing the need for stability in an increasingly unpredictable global trade environment. His remarks come as the United States implements sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting China to impose a 15% levy on U.S. LNG and a 10% tariff on U.S. crude oil in retaliation.

Following the company’s fourth-quarter earnings announcement, Pouyanné noted that U.S. LNG export capacity is expected to nearly double in the coming years. However, he raised concerns about potential shifts in U.S. policy, questioning what would happen if the country suddenly decided to reduce its LNG exports. He cautioned against transitioning from an over-dependence on Russia to over-reliance on another single supplier, even if it is an ally.

Data from Kpler indicates that the European Union received 43% of its LNG from the U.S. last year, making the U.S. its dominant supplier. At the same time, the EU has been working to reduce its reliance on Russia, its second-largest LNG provider.

While the European Commission recently introduced new sanctions against Russia, it did not propose a ban on Russian LNG. EU diplomats explained that member states wanted to ensure alternative supply sources—such as those from the U.S.—were firmly secured before taking such measures.

During a video conference at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, Pouyanné asked former U.S. President Donald Trump whether he would be willing to guarantee the security of LNG supplies to Europe.

TotalEnergies remains the largest U.S. LNG exporter, with more than 10 million tons under contract, reinforcing its strategic role in global energy security.

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