To avoid U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, several Asian countries are promising trade concessions aimed to boost the U.S. gas industry. The governments of Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand said that they plan to increase imports of U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG), while Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have said they are considering investments in a $44 billion Alaskan gas pipeline project on top of greater U.S. LNG imports to secure relief from sweeping tariffs.

Chuck Baclagon, 350.org Asia Regional Campaigner says, “The recent commitments by Asian nations to increase U.S. gas imports and investments in exchange for tariff relief represent a troubling step backward in the pursuit of climate justice and a just energy transition. This is economic bullying disguised as diplomacy—using trade pressure to force energy-poor nations into fossil fuel dependence that serves U.S. interests, not the planet’s future. Such deals may seem like smart economics in the short term, but it’s a disaster for the climate and people’s access to clean and affordable energy.

By prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability, these agreements risk locking countries into prolonged fossil fuel dependence, hindering efforts to mitigate climate change and transition to renewable energy sources. This approach not only exacerbates global carbon emissions but also disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities in Asia who are already bearing the brunt of climate-related disasters.

The world is shifting away from fossil fuels. Pouring billions into gas infrastructure in 2025 is like betting on typewriters in the age of AI. Importing U.S. gas also does nothing to strengthen the energy independence and local economies of developing countries in Asia. It only worsens their dependence on and vulnerability to the unilateral actions of world superpowers such as the U.S.

Asian countries should instead invest in clean, renewable energy infrastructure that can foster long-term, sustainable economic growth, create green jobs, and protect local communities from the damaging effects of fossil fuel reliance. If we’re truly committed to a livable future, our investments should be in renewables, not in locking ourselves into decades of dirty energy.”

Masayoshi Iyoda, 350.org Japan Campaigner says, “In considering U.S. gas deals as trade concessions, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba may not be acting for the interests of the Japanese people, but for U.S. and Japanese companies who make hefty profits from selling fossil gas. Entering U.S. gas deals does not make Japan’s economy strong. Rather, it makes the country more vulnerable to trade wars and high-risk investments that harm communities and feed an unsustainable and outmoded addiction to fossil fuels. Instead of following President Trump’s descent into climate chaos through the resurrection of discredited, dirty fossil energy projects, PM Ishiba should do the exact opposite: fill the climate leadership vacuum and help usher Japan and the rest of Asia into a clean energy future, powered by the wind and the sun. Investing in clean, equitable and affordable renewable energy can boost Japan’s economic position while fulfilling its responsibility to protect its people and the planet from further climate damage.”

Media contact:

Ilang-Ilang Quijano, 350.org Asia Communications Manager

ilang.quijano@350.org

+639175810934