Global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade reached a record 56.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2025, up 5.4% from the previous year, according to the International Group of LNG Importers (GIIGNL). Growth was led by the United States, where LNG exports rose 26% to 15.1 Bcf/d, making the US the world’s largest source of LNG export growth. US exports accounted for 26% of global LNG trade, and the Energy Information Administration expects American exports to continue rising through 2027.
The United States, Qatar, and Australia together supplied 63% of global LNG exports in 2025. However, LNG markets have faced disruption in 2026 after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which affected Qatar’s exports and temporarily cut off about 20% of global LNG supplies. The disruption has increased competition between Asian buyers, who rely heavily on Qatari LNG, and European buyers seeking to rebuild gas inventories.
On the demand side, Europe increased LNG imports by 29% in 2025 as reduced pipeline gas supplies from Russia increased reliance on LNG. Asian imports declined, led by a 15% drop in China’s LNG purchases as the country expanded pipeline imports and domestic production. Overall, the report highlights the growing importance of US LNG exports in global energy markets while underscoring the vulnerability of LNG trade to geopolitical disruptions.
