Uzbekistan’s Gas Exports to China Double in September, Reach Yearly Peak
Uzbekistan’s Gas Exports to China Double in September 2024
According to recent data from the Statistics Agency, Uzbekistan saw a significant increase in its gas exports to China in September 2024, reaching the highest level for the year. Gas exports to China surged to $97.4 million, marking a 2.16-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023.
This growth in gas exports comes amidst a broader trend of increased gas imports by Uzbekistan. From January to September 2024, the country ramped up its natural gas imports, particularly from Turkmenistan and Russia. Gas imports rose by 2.62 times during this period, totaling $1.27 billion. In September alone, Uzbekistan imported natural gas worth $126.3 million. This shift marks a significant change, as Uzbekistan transitioned from being a net gas exporter to a net importer in 2023.
Although there was a slight slowdown in gas exports to China in September compared to previous months, with a decrease from $81.7 million in August to $70.1 million, the total value of gas exports to China since the beginning of the year reached $479.5 million, showing a 16.5% increase year-on-year.
It is important to note that the figures from Uzbekistan’s Statistics Agency differ slightly from those provided by China’s General Administration of Customs. According to the Chinese customs data, Uzbekistan exported $498.9 million worth of gas to China in 2024, representing a 16.6% increase compared to 2023.
Among the top gas suppliers to China, Turkmenistan remains the largest, with exports totaling $7.4 billion this year. Russia follows closely in second place, increasing its gas exports by nearly 25% to $6.13 billion. Kazakhstan and Myanmar round out the top four, with exports of $1.05 billion and $1.04 billion, respectively.
Overall, Uzbekistan’s significant increase in gas exports to China in September 2024 reflects a growing trend of the country’s expanding role in the global gas market.
