Trump says Taiwan will secure 30% of Alaska LNG output for 20 years

Trump announces Taiwan's stake in Alaska LNG President Donald Trump told a crowd in Alaska that Taiwan has agreed to buy 30 percent of the gas that will flow from the planned liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipeline in the state. He said the arrangement will run for the next two decades and that the deal guarantees the project's success.

Financial commitments and previous agreements In the same remarks, Trump indicated that Taiwan will contribute US$4.4 billion to the development, adding that South Korea has already pledged US$50 billion. The exact terms of Taiwan's purchase were not disclosed. The claim follows earlier reports that Taiwan’s state‑owned CPC Corp reached an agreement last year with Alaska Gasline Development Corp to buy LNG and invest in the pipeline.

Context for Taiwan's energy needs Taiwan, which imports more than 90 percent of its energy, has seen demand rise sharply as artificial‑intelligence‑driven industries expand. The island’s economic affairs ministry projects an average electricity demand growth of about 2.5 percent per year through 2035, the second‑highest rate on record. This growing demand underpins the interest in securing long‑term LNG supplies.

Project timeline and developer outlook Glenfarne, the company developing the Alaska LNG pipeline, told the U.S. government that the project aims to deliver its first gas cargo by 2029. The pipeline is intended to transport LNG from the Alaskan Arctic to markets in Asia and elsewhere.

Political pressure on South Korea Trump has also increased pressure on South Korea regarding its participation, warning that the United States could raise charges if Seoul does not finalise its commitment soon. Media in South Korea interpreted the warning as a possible increase in tariffs, though no specific details were provided.

Official responses pending At the time of reporting, neither the White House nor Taiwan’s energy ministry or CPC Corp had responded to requests for comment on the announced agreement.

The announcement adds a new dimension to the geopolitical and commercial dynamics surrounding the Alaska LNG project, which seeks to tap the growing energy appetite of Asian economies while navigating complex diplomatic negotiations.