Global LNG exports surged the fastest in three years

Increased new supply from North America has boosted global liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports in 2025 to achieve the most impressive growth in the past three years.

According to shipping data from data analytics firm Kpler, global LNG exports in 2025 are estimated to increase by 4% compared to last year, reaching 429 million tons. This is the highest annual increase since 2022, when exports increased by 4.5%. The main driver of this surge comes from increased production from major projects such as LNG Canada and Plaquemines in the US.

The U.S. is solidifying its position as a leading exporter, becoming the first country in history to export more than 100 million tons of LNG in a single year. The country is expected to continue expanding its supply, aiming to double production by the end of this decade, thereby boosting overall export figures.

Kpler forecasts that global LNG exports will reach a record high of approximately 41 million tons in December 2025 alone.

Abundant supply is putting downward pressure on gas prices in major markets. Currently, gas prices in Asia are fluctuating at their lowest levels in a year, while gas futures prices in Europe have fallen by more than 40% since the beginning of the year.

However, the increased production has also put more strain on the demand for these ultra-refrigerated fuel tankers. In November 2025, the cost of transporting LNG across the Atlantic reached its highest level in nearly two years as the surge in supply stimulated demand for chartering vessels.

On the importers' side, China and Japan continue to share the world's leading positions in terms of import volume in 2025. Notably, data shows that China's total imports this year are down about 15% compared to 2024.

Conversely, Egypt's imports continued their strong upward trend after the country shifted to net importing status from 2024. The North African nation is estimated to have purchased around 8.9 million tons of LNG this year, more than three times the amount purchased last year.

According to Bloomberg Intelligence, global LNG trading volume is expected to continue growing by 7.5% to 8% in 2026, driven by a wave of new supply and lower prices that stimulate demand.

Source: VTV