Japan is exploring the possibility of investing in a gas pipeline project in Alaska, which would help strengthen economic ties with the United States and reduce the risk of Washington imposing import tariffs on Tokyo. This was reported by Reuters, citing informed sources.
The project involves laying a 1,300 km pipeline that will connect Alaska’s gas fields with the U.S. West Coast. From there, liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be exported to Asia. The total cost of the project is estimated at $44 billion.
Tokyo notes that the cost of LNG obtained through this project may be too high. However, Japanese authorities are willing to consider participation if a suitable proposal is made.
According to Reuters, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba may discuss this issue with U.S. President Donald Trump as early as next week. Japan expects that the American leader will bring up the gas pipeline topic at the upcoming meeting. Additionally, Tokyo may pledge to increase purchases of U.S. gas and invest in American industries to strengthen bilateral relations.
At the same time, Japan does not intend to make immediate commitments regarding LNG purchases or pipeline investments. Tokyo aims to secure favorable cooperation terms, including a reasonable price and the ability to resell the purchased gas to third countries.
The Alaska LNG export project was approved by the Trump administration back in 2020 as part of an initiative to unlock the region’s resource potential. Last week, the project was reaffirmed in a corresponding executive order by the U.S. president.
