The United States expects China to significantly increase its crude oil imports from America, as shifting global energy dynamics reshape trade flows, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday.

Axar.az reports, in an interview with CNBC, Wright said the United States and China are “natural energy trade partners,” noting that “there’s a natural energy trade there” between the world’s largest oil producer and largest importer.

“I suspect we’ll see a growth in their oil imports from the United States,” Wright said, adding that future shipments are expected to rise from the Gulf Coast and eventually from Alaska as U.S. production expands.

Trump also told Fox News that: “They’ve agreed they want to buy oil from the United States, they’re going to go to Texas, we’re going to start sending Chinese ships to Texas and to Louisiana and to Alaska."

Wright further said the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to decline following disruptions linked to the Iran conflict, stating, “This is a card you can play once.”

“There’ll be other routes for energy to get out of the Persian Gulf,” Wright said. “We will see a decreasing importance from the Strait of Hormuz, but not a decreasing importance of those nations’ energy production and energy supply.”

The remarks come as global energy markets continue to adjust to supply disruptions following recent regional conflicts, including Iran’s actions affecting Middle Eastern export routes.