- 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.
U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports was 114.4 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 9.5% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports dataset for the U.S. from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the country's LNG export performance, highlighting export volumes, trade trends, global demand, and developments across the natural gas sector. Measured in million cubic metres (mcm), the dataset represents the total annual volume of LNG exported by the U.S.
U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports moved from 0.700 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 114.4 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (+16242.9%), an average of +89.1% a year. The series high was 114.4 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 and the low 0.700 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015.
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2015) is 113.7 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was +471.4% in 2016.
Among the 17 countries in this dataset, U.S. ranks 1 for 2023. It accounts for 20.8% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Billion Cubic Metres | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023Peak | 114.4 | +9.5% |
| 2022 | 104.5 | +10.6% |
| 2021 | 94.50 | +54.2% |
| 2020 | 61.30 | +29.3% |
| 2019 | 47.40 | +65.7% |
| 2018 | 28.60 | +67.3% |
| 2017 | 17.10 | +327.5% |
| 2016 | 4.00 | +471.4% |
| 2015 Trough | 0.700 | — |
Regional context
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports by country, 2023, Billion Cubic Metres. U.S. is highlighted.
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.
It serves as an important indicator of export capacity, international trade, energy security, and the country's growing role in the global LNG market.
The U.S. exported 700 mcm of LNG in 2015 before exports increased sharply to 4,000 mcm in 2016 and 17,100 mcm in 2017. Export volumes continued to expand to 28,600 mcm in 2018 and 47,400 mcm in 2019 as new liquefaction facilities entered operation. LNG exports reached 61,300 mcm in 2020, increased substantially to 94,500 mcm in 2021, climbed to 104,500 mcm in 2022, and reached a record 114,400 mcm in 2023. The sustained growth reflected rising production, expanded export infrastructure, and increasing international demand for U.S. LNG.
Overall, the dataset highlights the rapid expansion of the U.S. as one of the world's leading LNG exporters during the study period. Higher exports were supported by abundant shale gas production, investments in liquefaction capacity, competitive pricing, and strong demand from Europe, Asia, and other international markets seeking diversified energy supplies.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating the U.S. LNG export outlook, analyzing international gas trade, and assessing export competitiveness. It supports market research, infrastructure planning, investment analysis, and policy development while providing valuable insights for researchers, industry participants, analysts, and policymakers monitoring global LNG trade, supply security, export growth, and evolving energy market dynamics.
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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.
U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports was 114.4 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 9.5% on 2022.
U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports moved from 0.700 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 114.4 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (+16242.9%), an average of +89.1% a year. The series high was 114.4 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 and the low 0.700 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015.
The highest value was 114.4 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 and the lowest was 0.700 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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