- 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.
Global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 549.2 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 1.8% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports dataset for the global market from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of worldwide LNG trade patterns, import volumes, supply dynamics, and changes in natural gas demand. Measured in billion cubic metres (bcm), the dataset represents the annual volume of LNG imported globally.
Global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports 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 22 countries in this dataset, China, Japan and South Korea have the highest values in 2023 (97.80, 90.30, 60.60 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 | China | 97.80 | +12.4% | |
| 2 | Japan | 90.30 | −7.9% | |
| 3 | South Korea | 60.60 | −5% | |
| 4 | India | 31.00 | +9.2% | |
| 5 | France | 30.70 | −13.5% | |
| 6 | Taiwan | 27.40 | −0.4% | |
| 7 | Spain | 24.90 | −13.5% | |
| 8 | UK | 19.40 | −25.7% | |
| 9 | Italy | 16.30 | +10.9% | |
| 10 | Thailand | 16.10 | +40% | |
| 11 | Turkey | 14.80 | −2% | |
| 12 | Belgium | 11.80 | −5.6% | |
| 13 | Kuwait | 8.90 | +4.7% | |
| 14 | Singapore | 6.80 | +28.3% | |
| 15 | Chile | 3.60 | +9.1% | |
| 16 | Malaysia | 3.20 | −17.9% | |
| 17 | Argentina | 2.70 | +12.5% | |
| 18 | Brazil | 1.30 | −43.5% | |
| 19 | UAE | 1.10 | +22.2% | |
| 20 | Mexico | 0.900 | +50% | |
| 21 | U.S. | 0.500 | −28.6% | |
| 22 | Canada | 0.200 | −33.3% |
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) 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 for assessing global energy security, gas supply diversification, international trade flows, and the growing role of LNG in meeting energy requirements.
Global LNG imports increased from 337.1 bcm in 2015 to 549.2 bcm in 2023, reflecting strong growth in LNG demand and expanded international trade. Imports grew steadily between 2015 and 2019, reaching 484.2 bcm before increasing further to 490 bcm in 2020 and 515.9 bcm in 2021. Global LNG imports continued to rise to 539.3 bcm in 2022 and reached a record 549.2 bcm in 2023, driven by energy security concerns, supply diversification strategies, and increased demand from major gas-consuming economies.
Asia Pacific remained the largest LNG importing region, with Japan, South Korea, and China representing key contributors to global LNG demand. Japan recorded LNG imports of 115.9 bcm in 2015, declining gradually to 90.3 bcm in 2023 due to changes in energy mix and nuclear power utilization. South Korea increased imports from 45.8 bcm in 2015 to 60.6 bcm in 2023, supported by power generation demand. China showed the strongest growth among major importers, rising from 27 bcm in 2015 to 97.8 bcm in 2023, driven by industrial demand and natural gas adoption.
Overall, the dataset highlights the expanding importance of LNG in global energy markets. It supports analysis of international gas trade, infrastructure development, investment opportunities, supply diversification, and future LNG market trends for industry stakeholders, researchers, analysts, and policymakers.
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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.
Global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 549.2 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 1.8% on 2022.
Global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports 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 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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