Global liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports increased by approximately 1.2 trillion cubic feet in 2025, with the United States contributing about 1.1 trillion cubic feet of that growth. This means the U.S. accounted for roughly 93% of the world's additional LNG exports, according to the Energy Institute's 2026 Statistical Review of World Energy.
U.S. Export Growth
In 2025, U.S. LNG exports reached 5.2 trillion cubic feet, a 27% increase from 4.1 trillion cubic feet in 2024. This growth solidified the U.S. position as the largest LNG exporter globally, capturing a 25.4% share of the market. In comparison, Qatar and Australia exported 3.9 trillion and 3.7 trillion cubic feet, respectively. A decade earlier, in 2015, U.S. LNG exports were negligible, at less than 0.03 trillion cubic feet.
Market Transformation
The transformation of the U.S. LNG market has been driven by the shale revolution, which unlocked vast quantities of low-cost natural gas. The existing infrastructure along the Gulf Coast, including pipelines and ports, has further facilitated this growth. The shift from being a net importer to a leading exporter has significantly altered the dynamics of the global natural gas market.
The substantial increase in U.S. LNG exports is likely to influence global natural gas prices and trade flows, particularly affecting markets in Europe and Asia where demand remains high. Investors will watch for further developments in U.S. energy policy and infrastructure expansion that could sustain this growth trajectory.