Catenaa, Sunday, March 15, 2026- Asia-Pacific allies agreed to $57 billion in 22 deals with American companies during this weekend’s Indo-Pacific Energy Security Forum in Tokyo.
US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said on Sunday that Japan is interested in buying more US oil.
The total value of investments was revised up from $56 billion to $57 billion after an additional deal was finalized following the close of the conference, Burgum said.
Burgum said the forum underscored the “need to sell energy to our friends and allies so they are not forced to rely on adversaries.”
He also noted that Japan is helping lead the coalition of nations to put more oil supply in the market.
“From a Japan standpoint, when they’re dependent on oil coming out of the Strait, that’s a great indication of their partnership with the United States and a great indication of their leadership on the world stage to jump in and say they’re going to release a significant portion of their reserves,” Burgum said.
Speaking at the event, Burgum said the energy policy of US President Donald Trump aims to ensure domestic prosperity while enabling the US to supply energy to allies and partners.
Trump’s “energy dominance” policy is designed to guarantee that the US has enough energy resources at home while also exporting them to friendly countries, Burgum told the gathering of representatives from 17 Asia-Pacific nations.
He said such supplies would help ensure the region has “reliable, affordable and secure” energy that cannot be disrupted by hostile actors.
Burgum also stressed the importance of securing critical mineral supplies as countries seek to reduce dependence on China, the world’s leading exporter of many key minerals.
