US energy companies seek exemption from Trump plan to move LNG on US-built ships

LOS ANGELES/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. energy groups are asking President Donald Trump's administration to exempt liquefied natural gas tankers from a new rule that will require producers to move an increasing percentage of their exports on U.S.-built vessels as part of a broader push to revive domestic shipbuilding. The U.S. is the world's No. 1 LNG exporter at $34 billion annually and the Trump administration has been a supporter of the industry in his push for energy dominance. In a move that shocked the industry, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced April 17 that LNG producers would have to transport 1% of their exports on U.S.-built ships starting in April 2028.