- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year.
Canada Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 0.200 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, down 33.3% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports dataset of Canada from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s LNG import patterns, highlighting import trends, supply developments, and changes across the natural gas trade sector. Measured in million cubic metres (Mcm), the dataset represents the total annual volume of LNG imported into Canada.
Canada Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 0.600 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 0.200 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−66.7%), an average of −12.8% a year. The series high was 0.800 Billion Cubic Metres in 2020 and the low 0.200 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023.
The gap between the series high (2020) and low (2023) is 0.600 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was +60% in 2020.
Among the 22 countries in this dataset, Canada ranks 22 for 2023, behind China (97.80 Billion Cubic Metres) and Japan (90.30 Billion Cubic Metres). It accounts for 0% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
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| Year | Billion Cubic Metres | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Trough | 0.200 | −33.3% |
| 2022 | 0.300 | −57.1% |
| 2021 | 0.700 | −12.5% |
| 2020Peak | 0.800 | +60% |
| 2019 | 0.500 | −16.7% |
| 2018 | 0.600 | +50% |
| 2017 | 0.400 | +33.3% |
| 2016 | 0.300 | −50% |
| 2015 | 0.600 | — |
Regional context
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports by country, 2023, Billion Cubic Metres. Canada is highlighted.
Data definition
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.
The data includes all internationally traded LNG cargoes imported through LNG receiving terminals and regasification facilities for domestic consumption, storage, or onward distribution. It covers LNG imported under long-term contracts, spot market purchases, and short-term agreements from exporting countries. The indicator includes LNG received for use across electricity generation, industrial processes, residential and commercial applications, and other natural gas-consuming sectors after regasification. Imports are recorded regardless of the country of origin and are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs data, port records, and national energy reporting methodologies, enabling consistent comparison of LNG import volumes across countries and over time.
The data excludes domestically produced natural gas, pipeline natural gas imports and exports, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not imported as LNG. It also excludes LNG exports, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, transit shipments that do not enter domestic supply, and inventory changes unless specifically incorporated into national energy balances. The indicator does not measure LNG consumption, regasification capacity, storage capacity, terminal utilization rates, or the economic value of LNG imports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.
It serves as an important indicator of regional supply requirements, infrastructure utilization, market conditions, and the role of LNG imports within Canada’s energy system.
Canada imported 600 Mcm of LNG in 2015, declining to 300 Mcm in 2016 before increasing to 400 Mcm in 2017. Imports rose to 600 Mcm in 2018, declined slightly to 500 Mcm in 2019, and increased to a review-period high of 800 Mcm in 2020. LNG imports decreased to 700 Mcm in 2021 before falling to 300 Mcm in 2022 and reaching 200 Mcm in 2023. The overall trend reflects limited dependence on LNG imports, supported by abundant domestic natural gas production and extensive pipeline infrastructure.
Overall, the dataset indicates fluctuating but generally declining LNG import volumes during the review period. Temporary increases reflected regional supply requirements and infrastructure constraints, while the long-term decline was supported by sufficient domestic gas availability, pipeline distribution networks, and evolving market conditions. Canada's growing focus on LNG export development also influenced the country's natural gas trade dynamics.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating Canada’s LNG import outlook, analyzing import dynamics, and assessing future supply requirements. It supports market research, infrastructure planning, investment evaluation, and policy development while providing insights for researchers, industry stakeholders, analysts, and policymakers monitoring energy security, LNG trade trends, import patterns, and the evolving role of LNG within Canada’s energy market.
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Definition- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.
Canada Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 0.200 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, down 33.3% on 2022.
Canada Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 0.600 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 0.200 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−66.7%), an average of −12.8% a year. The series high was 0.800 Billion Cubic Metres in 2020 and the low 0.200 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023.
The highest value was 0.800 Billion Cubic Metres in 2020 and the lowest was 0.200 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023.
Included: The data includes all internationally traded LNG cargoes imported through LNG receiving terminals and regasification facilities for domestic consumption, storage, or onward distribution. It covers LNG imported under long-term contracts, spot market purchases, and short-term agreements from exporting countries. The indicator includes LNG received for use across electricity generation, industrial processes, residential and commercial applications, and other natural gas-consuming sectors after regasification. Imports are recorded regardless of the country of origin and are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs data, port records, and national energy reporting methodologies, enabling consistent comparison of LNG import volumes across countries and over time. Excluded: The data excludes domestically produced natural gas, pipeline natural gas imports and exports, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not imported as LNG. It also excludes LNG exports, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, transit shipments that do not enter domestic supply, and inventory changes unless specifically incorporated into national energy balances. The indicator does not measure LNG consumption, regasification capacity, storage capacity, terminal utilization rates, or the economic value of LNG imports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
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