July 25, 2026 [ OilPrice.com ]- In 2025 the U.S. supplied roughly 93% of global LNG export growth (1.10 of the 1.2 Tcf increase), lifting its own exports 27% to a record 5.2 Tcf and capturing 25.4% of the world market—far ahead of Qatar and Australia.
A decade earlier U.S. LNG exports were near zero; the surge was enabled by the shale revolution, existing Gulf Coast infrastructure (including former import terminals converted to export), and new capacity such as Plaquemines LNG, which alone delivered more than 60% of the year’s global supply growth.
Europe absorbed most of the extra volumes, taking a record 10.3 Bcf/d (68% of total U.S. LNG exports) as Asian demand softened and U.S.-China trade tensions reduced shipments to China.
Record U.S. gas production of 103.9 Bcf/d simultaneously supported domestic consumption, pipeline exports to Mexico, and the LNG boom, while flexible contracts linked to U.S. prices and allowing cargo redirection increased buyer appeal.
Further expansion is already underway—exports are projected to average about 17 Bcf/d in 2026 with additional terminals coming online—positioning the U.S. to supply roughly one-third of global LNG by the end of the decade, though pipeline constraints and rising domestic demand remain key risks.
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