- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year.
Global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports was 549.2 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 1.8% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports dataset for the Global market from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of worldwide LNG export volumes, trade dynamics, and developments across the international natural gas market.
Global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports moved from 337.1 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 549.2 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (+62.9%), an average of +6.3% a year. The series high was 549.2 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 and the low 337.1 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015.
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2015) is 212.1 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was +12.5% in 2019.
Of the 17 countries in this dataset, U.S., Qatar and Australia have the highest values in 2023 (114.4, 108.4, 107.4 Billion Cubic Metres respectively).
Country ranking
Billion Cubic Metres. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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| Rank↕ | Country↕ | Share of top | Billion Cubic Metres↕ | vs 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | U.S. | 114.4 | +9.5% | |
| 2 | Qatar | 108.4 | −1.9% | |
| 3 | Australia | 107.4 | 0% | |
| 4 | Russia | 42.70 | −1.6% | |
| 5 | Malaysia | 36.30 | −2.7% | |
| 6 | Algeria | 19.00 | +31.9% | |
| 7 | Nigeria | 17.50 | −12.5% | |
| 8 | Indonesia | 16.10 | +3.2% | |
| 9 | Oman | 15.30 | 0% | |
| 10 | Papua New Guinea | 11.50 | +0.9% | |
| 11 | Trinidad & Tobago | 10.50 | 0% | |
| 12 | UAE | 7.70 | +2.7% | |
| 13 | Brunei | 6.20 | −4.6% | |
| 14 | Norway | 5.50 | +48.6% | |
| 15 | Peru | 5.30 | +3.9% | |
| 16 | Angola | 4.90 | +16.7% | |
| 17 | Egypt | 4.90 | −46.7% |
By region
Billion Cubic Metres, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023Peak | 549.2 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | 539.3 | +4.5% |
| 2021 | 515.9 | +5.3% |
| 2020 | 490 | +1.2% |
| 2019 | 484.2 | +12.5% |
| 2018 | 430.4 | +9.4% |
| 2017 | 393.3 | +9.8% |
| 2016 | 358.3 | +6.3% |
| 2015 Trough | 337.1 | — |
Data definition
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state for 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 quantity of domestically produced natural gas exported in liquefied form. LNG Exports are an important measure of a country's natural gas production capacity, export infrastructure, participation in global LNG trade, and contribution to international energy markets.
The data includes all LNG cargoes exported from liquefaction terminals to international destinations under long-term contracts, spot market sales, and short-term trade agreements. It covers LNG produced from both associated and non-associated natural gas fields after processing, purification, and liquefaction. The indicator includes exports transported by specialized LNG carriers to importing countries and reflects LNG supplied to global markets regardless of the final destination. Export volumes are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs records, port authority data, and national energy reporting methodologies, ensuring consistent comparison of LNG export volumes across countries and over time.
The data excludes pipeline natural gas exports, domestically consumed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not exported in liquefied natural gas form. It also excludes LNG imports, domestic LNG storage, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, and transit shipments that do not originate from domestic liquefaction facilities. The indicator does not measure liquefaction capacity, terminal utilization rates, natural gas production, export revenues, or the economic value of LNG exports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, cargo accounting methods, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state for 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 quantity of domestically produced natural gas exported in liquefied form. LNG Exports are an important measure of a country's natural gas production capacity, export infrastructure, participation in global LNG trade, and contribution to international energy markets.
Measured in billion cubic metres (bcm), the dataset captures annual LNG exports and serves as a key indicator of global gas supply, export capacity, market demand, and international energy trade. It is widely used to assess production trends, infrastructure expansion, export competitiveness, and the growing role of LNG in supporting global energy security.
Global LNG exports increased steadily from 337.1 bcm in 2015 to 358.3 bcm in 2016, 393.3 bcm in 2017, and 430.4 bcm in 2018. Exports continued to expand to 484.2 bcm in 2019, 490.0 bcm in 2020, 515.9 bcm in 2021, 539.3 bcm in 2022, and reached a record 549.2 bcm in 2023. Qatar remained the world's leading LNG exporter throughout the period, exporting 105.6 bcm in 2015 and 108.4 bcm in 2023. Australia experienced rapid growth, increasing exports from 39.9 bcm to 107.4 bcm, becoming one of the largest global suppliers. Russia also expanded LNG exports significantly, rising from 14.6 bcm in 2015 to 42.7 bcm in 2023, supported by new liquefaction capacity and growing international demand.
Overall, the dataset highlights sustained growth in global LNG exports, driven by increasing liquefaction capacity, expanding international trade, and rising natural gas demand across Asia, Europe, and other importing regions. The strong performance of major exporters reflects continued investment in LNG infrastructure and the strategic importance of LNG in diversifying global energy supplies.
The dataset supports market intelligence, trade analysis, infrastructure planning, investment evaluation, and policy development by providing valuable insights into global LNG export trends, leading exporting countries, and the evolving structure of the international natural gas market.
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Definition- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state for 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 quantity of domestically produced natural gas exported in liquefied form. LNG Exports are an important measure of a country's natural gas production capacity, export infrastructure, participation in global LNG trade, and contribution to international energy markets.
Global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports was 549.2 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 1.8% on 2022.
Global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports moved from 337.1 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 549.2 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (+62.9%), an average of +6.3% a year. The series high was 549.2 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 and the low 337.1 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015.
The highest value was 549.2 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 and the lowest was 337.1 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015.
Included: The data includes all LNG cargoes exported from liquefaction terminals to international destinations under long-term contracts, spot market sales, and short-term trade agreements. It covers LNG produced from both associated and non-associated natural gas fields after processing, purification, and liquefaction. The indicator includes exports transported by specialized LNG carriers to importing countries and reflects LNG supplied to global markets regardless of the final destination. Export volumes are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs records, port authority data, and national energy reporting methodologies, ensuring consistent comparison of LNG export volumes across countries and over time. Excluded: The data excludes pipeline natural gas exports, domestically consumed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not exported in liquefied natural gas form. It also excludes LNG imports, domestic LNG storage, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, and transit shipments that do not originate from domestic liquefaction facilities. The indicator does not measure liquefaction capacity, terminal utilization rates, natural gas production, export revenues, or the economic value of LNG exports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, cargo accounting methods, 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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