Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has wasted no time, releasing dozens of executive orders (EOs) on his first day back in the White House on Jan. 20 — including several that could directly impact the propane industry. As global economics remain a key market condition influencing energy prices, we’ve analyzed the initial reaction to Trump’s executive orders and what they might mean for the future of the industry.
Trump's Executive Orders That Will Be Felt by the Propane Industry
Of the dozens of EOs released by Trump, those that will grab the attention of businesses tied to the propane industry and their consumers, in particular, include actions to:
- Adjust the tariffs that affect the energy sector to increase the competitiveness seen within both domestic and international markets
- Declare an energy emergency in which high energy prices have been put under the spotlight
- Increase and streamline energy infrastructure and production domestically by simplifying permitting processes and reducing regulatory barriers
- Promote energy choice and appliance neutrality by introducing policies that aim to prevent favoritism of a single energy source or appliance to create a level playing field in the market
- Reallocate federal grants previously only focused on electric vehicles to create more opportunities for the research and development of alternative energy initiatives
How Trump's Executive Orders Could Affect the Propane Market for the Better
Another EO to note is Trump’s establishment of the National Energy Dominance Council. A fact sheet on the official White House site details how this move can be positive for the United States. (Visit tinyurl.com/nationalenergydominance.)
Detailed as a means for “positioning American energy for the next century,” this EO looks to develop American energy resources in a way that will allow the nation to rely less on foreign entities.
According to another section of the fact sheet, “American energy dominance is the most reliable way to ensure the stability and affordability of American energy prices.”
Recent history should provide some comfort for how Trump can empower energy production in the U.S. After all, during Trump’s initial term in the White House, the country became a net exporter of energy for the first time in almost 70 years.
Trump’s first term saw millions of acres of land across the U.S. opened for the development of domestic energy, many new energy jobs created throughout the nation and American families saving $2,500 on average per year on their gas and utility costs.
Speaking recently at the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum acknowledged that the U.S.’ abundant natural resources significantly outweigh the $36 trillion that the nation is in debt.
Mr. Burgum went on to claim that the country’s 10-year long-term interest rate would decrease if financial markets were given the opportunity to understand the value of the U.S.’ natural resources. He pointed out: “The interest rates right now are one of the most significant expenses we have as a country. ... So, one of the things that we have to do is unleash America’s balance sheet, and President Trump is helping us do that.”
Concerns in the Propane Industry About Trump's Executive Orders
There are some trepidations surrounding the introduction of these EOs, however.
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), which will be working to ensure the EOs are implemented throughout each sector the organization works in on behalf of the propane industry, had a pair of primary concerns.
As outlined by NPGA’s President and CEO Steve Kaminski at the 2025 NPGA winter board meeting in Clearwater, Florida, one of these concerns is the tariffs, which will be placed on equipment and parts that arrive in the U.S. from across the globe to then be used by businesses in the propane industry.
“Steel tanks and cylinders manufactured outside of the United States and sold into the United States will get slapped with this 25% tariff. This is impacting a number of manufacturer members.”
Another of NPGA’s concerns is going to be the tariffs on propane coming into the U.S. from Canada. This is because the association lists annual cross-border propane sales from Canada into the U.S. to amount to $1.9 billion, but a 10% tariff will work out at $190 million per year.
Trump’s temporary increase in tariffs on goods from China to 125% and Beijing’s imposing tariffs of 84% on U.S. imports at the start of April have also led to speculation about how these moves may impact the U.S. propane industry.
As reported by Reuters, industry insiders have commented that Chinese petrochemical makers, which currently purchase $11 billion of U.S. propane per year, look set to reduce output or shut for maintenance in the very near future because of tariffs on U.S. imports driving up costs.
NPGA stated that it will monitor how Trump and his administration approach tariffs. Though Kaminski did add, “This is one of our top priorities, but we also have a massive opportunity with this new administration — with the new appointees to the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation and EPA, which are all pro-energy choice, and with the new Congress.
“We have as good of an opportunity over the next several months as we’ve had in a long time to position propane very well in the future.”
Next Steps for Businesses & Consumers
As propane has become one of the talking points following the announcement of Trump’s executive orders, it’s important for businesses and consumers to investigate the benefits of using propane without delay.
Start by evaluating your energy needs. Switching to propane can assist with many business operations and provide heating solutions around facilities. Getting in touch with a propane supplier will also help you understand the cost-saving options of switching or expanding the use of propane.
As domestic energy infrastructure and production is set to increase and be streamlined through Trump’s EOs, make sure you are keeping up to date about any legislative changes and incentives that could be introduced across the nation that will affect the price and availability of propane.
