Global operational LNG export capacity by country 2024

The United States has the greatest LNG export capacity of any country worldwide. As of September 2024, U.S. terminals for liquefied natural gas exports had a combined capacity of 92.9 million metric tons per year. In 2023, the United States was the largest LNG exporting country, followed by Qatar and Australia. The U.S. took the top spot due to an increase in shipments to Europe in 2023. 

LNG trading on the rise

Since 1970, the global LNG trade volume has increased by over 500 billion cubic meters. Countries in East Asia, such as Japan and China, have historically been among the main LNG importing countries.

The future of LNG

By cooling natural gas to -260 degrees Fahrenheit/-162 degrees Celsius, the volume is reduced by a factor of 600, guaranteeing easier transport and storage. Some industry groups have promoted LNG as aiding in decarbonization targets as natural gas has a lower carbon intensity than coal, although emission levels are still significant. LNG trading allows gas to be shipped to countries without pipeline infrastructure and thus diversifies the energy market. The United States is expected to add more than 300 million metric tons of annual LNG export capacity in the future.