Market Chatter: Mitsui Eyes LNG Investments in Middle East, US, Australia Amid Surging Data Center Power Demand
Mitsui & Co (TYO:8031) plans to expand its liquefied natural gas investments across the Middle East, the U.S., and Australia, as the Japanese trading giant responds to surging electricity demand from data centers worldwide, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing CEO Kenichi Hori.Hori told Bloomberg News that the company is actively seeking growth opportunities in LNG and gas-based chemicals, whether through equity stakes or long-term offtake agreements.He noted that businesses searching for cleaner energy to support artificial intelligence infrastructure are generating significant new demand for LNG, the news wire said.As one of Japan's five major trading houses backed by Warren Buffett, alongside Mitsubishi (TYO:8058), Sumitomo (TYO:8053), Itochu (TYO:8001), and Marubeni, Mitsui has benefited from strong commodity prices and a weaker yen across its global energy and metals operations, the publication said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)