…earns approximately $5.71bn
The United States just made history by becoming the first nation ever to export 10 million metric tonnes (mmt) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in a single month.
The U.S. exported a record 10.1 mmt of the liquid fuel in October, a big jump from the revised figure of 9.1 mmt shipped in September, according to new data from financial firm LSEG.
1. Two Companies led the record-breaking surge
This incredible new record was not achieved by the whole industry alone but was mostly driven by the success of just two major U.S. exporters. Two companies were responsible for nearly three-quarters of the country’s total gas exports in October, proving their key role in world energy markets.
Venture Global’s Plaquemines export plant in Louisiana greatly increased its output, selling 2.2 mmt last month, which surpassed its previous high of 1.6 mmt in September.
Cheniere Energy shipped an impressive combined total of 4.2 mmt, or 42% of all U.S. LNG exports. This massive total was powered by its Sabine Pass facility, which exported 2.6 mmt, and its Corpus Christi plant, which set its own record by exporting 1.6 mmt.
Altogether, Venture Global and Cheniere were responsible for 72% of all the LNG the country shipped in October, showing how vital these few facilities are to the new record. Cheniere expects its Corpus Christi Stage 3 project to be completed soon, allowing the company to export more than 50 million metric tonnes per year starting in 2026.
2. Europe remains the tiggest customer and priority
The record-breaking U.S. exports are a significant lifeline for European families and businesses preparing for the cold winter months. Europe was the biggest customer for U.S. LNG by far, receiving nearly 69% of the total exports last month, or 6.9 mmt. This high figure compares to 6.22 mmt sent in September, confirming that Europe is continuing to work hard to fill its storage tanks ahead of the winter season.
The U.S. has been sending this large amount of gas to Europe even though prices there were very close to prices in Asia. Gas traded at $10.88 per million British thermal units (mBtu) at the European benchmark in October, while the Asian benchmark price was very similar at $11.11 per mBtu.
Because the prices were so close, there was little reason for U.S. exporters to ship the gas to the more distant Asian market, keeping the focus on its European allies. Based on the market price and the volume of LNG exported, the estimated total revenue for U.S. would be approximately $5.71 billion.
3. Gas flows shifted as global demand changed
While Europe was the primary destination, the U.S. also sent important supplies to other regions as their energy needs changed. Ship tracking data from LSEG showed clear shifts in October:
- Asia received 1.96 mmt of U.S. LNG last month, a notable increase from the 1.63 mmt it received in September.
- Latin America saw a decrease, falling to 0.57 mmt from 0.63 mmt in September, as the Southern Hemisphere prepares to move into warmer summer months.
- Egypt purchased five cargoes for a total of 0.43 mmt, a slight decrease from the 0.5 mmt it bought the month before.
These movements confirm the U.S. role as the world’s largest LNG exporter, able to send fuel where it is most needed based on changing seasons and global demand.
4. Why this record is crucial for stability
The U.S. has now set four record-setting export months in 2025 alone, showing a clear and fast increase in its ability to send gas around the world. This new record of 10.1 mmt matters deeply because it provides stability and security to many nations, especially those struggling to replace Russian gas.
The continued, massive flow of U.S. LNG helps keep a lid on energy prices by ensuring there is enough supply, which is a big benefit to consumers globally. This new milestone is not just a number; it represents a major new pillar of energy security that supports global economic stability and helps keep homes around the world warm and powered.
Read also: LNG freight rates surge to 8-month high as Middle East conflict disrupts shipping
