U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas Exports Hit Record High as New Capacity Fuels Global Demand: EIA

The U.S. Energy Information Administration on Sep. 1 reported that U.S. liquefied natural gas exports reached a record pace during the first half of 2026, driven by new export capacity and stronger demand from overseas buyers following disruptions in global supply. Shipments averaged 17.4 billion cubic feet per day, up 23 percent from the same period in 2025, marking the fastest growth in exports since the U.S. entered the large-scale LNG market in 2016. The agency expects exports to remain near record levels through the rest of 2026 before rising further during the first half of 2027.

The sharp increase reflects production from newly commissioned facilities and expansions at existing export terminals. Plaquemines LNG reached full operating capacity, while Corpus Christi Stage 3 is producing from six of its seven liquefaction trains. Together, those projects are expected to add about 4 billion cubic feet per day of export capacity once fully completed. Golden Pass LNG also began exports in April and is gradually increasing production from its first train, with a second train expected to enter service later this year.

Favorable international pricing also supported high export volumes. Global prices climbed after disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz temporarily affected roughly one-fifth of worldwide LNG supplies, particularly cargoes from Qatar. The tighter market increased competition for spot shipments, especially among Asian buyers that rely heavily on Qatari supplies.

European and Asian benchmark prices reached their highest levels since 2022, encouraging U.S. producers to operate export terminals near maximum capacity. Higher summer demand in East Asia further strengthened the market.

Asia became the fastest-growing market for U.S. LNG, with shipments more than doubling from the first half of 2025. Exports also increased to Europe and other regions, with Egypt, the Netherlands, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom among the top destinations, reinforcing the U.S. expanding role in global gas markets.