*China’s overall record LNG imports of 40.16mn tons for 1H 2021, up 28% year-on-year, included 4.56mn tons from Qatar. But thought this was up 40% on 1H 2020 and the second highest first-half figure ever (just behind 1H 2018’s 4.61mn tons) this wasn’t enough to stop Qatar being overtaken for number two spot by Malaysia which saw volumes rise by 72% to 4.67mn tons. Australia was way out in front with 15.86mn tons for 1H 2021, up 11% year-on-year (see chart 1 and table for full data).