TERRACE, B.C. – June 4, 2025 – Premier David Eby, currently on a 10-day trade mission in East Asia, reports significant interest from Japanese conglomerates in British Columbia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) – specifically the LNG Canada project in Kitimat – and critical mineral exports. The mission aims to diversify B.C.’s trade relationships as U.S. protectionist measures and tariff threats create global market uncertainty.
Speaking to reporters from Osaka, Japan, on Tuesday, Eby detailed meetings with major companies like Mitsubishi and Nippon Steel. He said these firms showed a keen awareness of B.C.’s copper and nickel exports and were interested in the province’s electrification plans, the North Coast Transmission Line, support for the mining sector, permitting processes, and collaboration with First Nations.
“These companies have taken stakes in projects in British Columbia… it was a very useful discussion for a group that was incredibly knowledgeable about British Columbia,” Eby stated.
The Premier highlighted particular Japanese interest in the $40-billion LNG Canada project near Kitimat, which recently came online and is expected to export 14 million tonnes of natural gas annually. “The [Japanese] government just released a new energy plan where they’re phasing out and reducing reliance on heavy oil,” Eby explained. “They are looking to natural gas as a significant bridging fuel… they do see the LNG Canada project as a significant part of their overall strategy,” while remaining committed to climate change goals.
Regarding recent calls from Alberta and Ontario premiers for a new oil pipeline to B.C.’s north coast, Eby reiterated his government’s opposition to lifting the federal oil tanker moratorium along the North Coast, emphasizing support for the existing Trans Mountain Pipeline instead.
The Premier also addressed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent order to double steel and aluminum tariffs to 50%, effective today. Eby described the move as potentially “devastating” for both Canadian and Japanese businesses, noting that B.C.’s lower-carbon metallurgical coal is a priority for Japanese steel-makers like Nippon Steel. He urged the federal government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, to prioritize removing internal Canadian trade barriers in response.
The trade mission has drawn criticism from the Opposition B.C. Conservatives. Trade critic Teresa Wat labelled the trip a “damage control junket,” asserting that the NDP government’s closure of 13 Asian trade offices in 2019 has left the province playing catch-up.
Premier Eby and the B.C. delegation are scheduled to return on June 10 after further meetings in Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.
