Trump says Taiwan to buy 30% of gas from Alaska pipeline
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Taiwan has agreed to purchase 30% of the natural gas output from Alaska's planned pipeline and invest $4.4 billion in the project. This deal is framed as Taiwan seeking Washington's favor amidst rising tensions with China.
Why it matters
This potential deal has significant geopolitical implications, strengthening US-Taiwan ties, bolstering Taiwan's energy security, and potentially impacting US-China relations, while also advancing a long-stalled Alaskan infrastructure project.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) night that Taiwan has agreed to buy 30% of the output from Alaska's to-be-built natural gas pipeline.
"Taiwan has just agreed to buy 30% of the gas coming off the pipeline for the next 20 years," Mr. Trump said during a rally in Wasilla, Alaska.
Mr. Trump said Taiwan would also invest $4.4 billion into the project, and comes as Taipei seeks to secure Washington's favour amid tensions with China. The self-ruled island is claimed by Beijing as its territory.
Taiwan imports nearly all of its energy supply, with official data showing about 38% of its natural gas comes from Australia, 25% from Qatar and just under 10% from the United States.
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