- 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.
U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 0.500 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, down 28.6% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports dataset of the U.S. 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 the United States.
U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 2.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 0.500 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−80%), an average of −18.2% a year. The series high was 2.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 and the low 0.500 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023.
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2023) is 2.00 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was −53.8% in 2021.
Among the 22 countries in this dataset, U.S. ranks 21 for 2023, behind China (97.80 Billion Cubic Metres) and Japan (90.30 Billion Cubic Metres). It accounts for 0.1% 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 | 0.500 | −28.6% |
| 2022 | 0.700 | +16.7% |
| 2021 | 0.600 | −53.8% |
| 2020 | 1.30 | −13.3% |
| 2019 | 1.50 | −28.6% |
| 2018 | 2.10 | −4.5% |
| 2017 | 2.20 | −8.3% |
| 2016 | 2.40 | −4% |
| 2015Peak | 2.50 | — |
Regional context
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports by country, 2023, Billion Cubic Metres. U.S. 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 domestic supply requirements, regional market conditions, infrastructure utilization, and the role of LNG imports within the U.S. energy system.
The U.S. imported 2,500 Mcm of LNG in 2015, declining to 2,400 Mcm in 2016 and 2,200 Mcm in 2017. Imports continued to decrease to 2,100 Mcm in 2018 and 1,500 Mcm in 2019. LNG imports declined further to 1,300 Mcm in 2020 before reaching a review-period low of 600 Mcm in 2021. Imports increased slightly to 700 Mcm in 2022 before falling to 500 Mcm in 2023, reflecting reduced dependence on imported LNG as domestic natural gas production and LNG export capacity expanded.
Overall, the dataset indicates a pronounced downward trend in U.S. LNG imports during the review period. Declining import volumes were supported by rising domestic shale gas production, expanding pipeline supplies, increased LNG liquefaction capacity, and the country's transition into a leading LNG exporter. Short-term fluctuations reflected seasonal demand, infrastructure utilization, and changing international market conditions.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating the U.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 the U.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.
U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 0.500 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, down 28.6% on 2022.
U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 2.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 0.500 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−80%), an average of −18.2% a year. The series high was 2.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 and the low 0.500 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023.
The highest value was 2.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 and the lowest was 0.500 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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