![U.S. LNG Export [Source: Reuters]](https://theenergytime.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/U.S.-LNG-Export.png)
The United States became the first country to export more than 100 million metric tons (mmt) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in a single year, preliminary data from LSEG showed on Friday.
U.S. companies shipped 111 mmt in 2025, nearly 23 mmt more than in 2024 and almost 20 mmt more than its closest competitor, Qatar. This represents roughly a quarter of global LNG exports. The surge comes as new production facilities ramped up and existing plants operated at high utilization.
Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG terminal, the country’s second-largest, delivered 16.4 mmt in its first full year of operation after sending its first cargo in December 2024. “The 24% year-on-year growth reflects both high utilization of onstream terminals and rapid ramp-up at new facilities,” said Alex Munton, director of global gas and LNG at research firm Rapidan Energy Group.
December marked another milestone, with the U.S. exporting 11.5 mmt, the most in a single month. The country set five monthly export records in 2025 alone. Jason Feer, head of business intelligence at Poten and Partners, noted, “It is remarkable that in nine years the U.S. has gone from zero LNG exports to over 100 mmt. The success validates the U.S. approach of selling free on board and the reliability of its gas supplies.”
Europe remained the largest destination for U.S. LNG, importing 9 mmt in December as the Northern Hemisphere winter deepened and countries reduced their purchases of Russian gas. Turkey also boosted its imports, buying 1.45 mmt last month, more than any single Asian buyer. U.S. LNG shipments to Asia fell to 1.23 mmt in December from 1.75 mmt in November.
Egypt continued to secure U.S. cargoes amid domestic shortages, taking 0.78 mmt in December, while the Americas region imported 0.42 mmt. Analysts say the trend reflects the flexibility and growing global influence of U.S. LNG supplies.
Looking ahead, the U.S. market could expand further. Plaquemines aims for full capacity in 2026, and smaller modular plants, including Cheniere Energy’s facilities, are expected to either operate at full volume or ramp up production. The first train at Golden Pass LNG, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and Exxon Mobil, is slated to begin production in the first quarter of 2026. Feer predicts annual U.S. production could rise by another 20 mmt this year.
The surge in U.S. LNG exports is shaping global energy markets and reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian gas. However, questions remain about whether the rapid expansion could strain domestic supply and affect energy prices at home. Could the U.S. sustain this growth without triggering domestic shortages? And with global competition heating up, will other exporters catch up faster than expected?
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