- 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.
UAE Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports was 7.70 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 2.7% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports dataset of the UAE 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 billion cubic metres (bcm), the dataset reflects the annual quantity of LNG exported from the UAE to international markets.
UAE Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports moved from 7.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 7.70 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (+1.3%), an average of +0.2% a year. The series high was 8.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2021 and the low 7.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2017.
The gap between the series high (2021) and low (2017) is 1.50 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was +15.8% in 2021.
Among the 17 countries in this dataset, UAE ranks 12 for 2023, behind U.S. (114.4 Billion Cubic Metres) and Qatar (108.4 Billion Cubic Metres). It accounts for 1.4% 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 | 7.70 | +2.7% |
| 2022 | 7.50 | −14.8% |
| 2021Peak | 8.80 | +15.8% |
| 2020 | 7.60 | −1.3% |
| 2019 | 7.70 | +4.1% |
| 2018 | 7.40 | +1.4% |
| 2017 Trough | 7.30 | −5.2% |
| 2016 | 7.70 | +1.3% |
| 2015 | 7.60 | — |
Regional context
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports by country, 2023, Billion Cubic Metres. UAE 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, production performance, liquefaction activity, and the country's participation in global LNG trade.
The UAE exported 7.6 bcm of LNG in 2015, increasing marginally to 7.7 bcm in 2016 before declining to 7.3 bcm in 2017. Exports recovered to 7.4 bcm in 2018 and increased to 7.7 bcm in 2019. During 2020, LNG exports eased slightly to 7.6 bcm amid changing market conditions but rose to 8.8 bcm in 2021, representing the highest export volume during the period. Export volumes subsequently declined to 7.5 bcm in 2022 before recovering modestly to 7.7 bcm in 2023.
Overall, the dataset indicates relatively stable LNG export performance throughout the period, with only moderate annual fluctuations. Consistent export volumes reflect the UAE's established liquefaction infrastructure, reliable production capacity, and continuing role in supplying LNG to international markets despite evolving regional and global energy dynamics.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating the UAE's LNG export outlook, assessing export performance, and analyzing long-term trade developments. It supports market research, investment planning, infrastructure evaluation, and policy formulation while providing useful insights for researchers, analysts, industry stakeholders, and policymakers monitoring LNG exports, production trends, export capacity, market competitiveness, and the UAE's position within the global natural gas industry.
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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.
UAE Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports was 7.70 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 2.7% on 2022.
UAE Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports moved from 7.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 7.70 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (+1.3%), an average of +0.2% a year. The series high was 8.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2021 and the low 7.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2017.
The highest value was 8.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2021 and the lowest was 7.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2017.
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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