U.S. LNG Exports Reach Record Levels

U.S. LNG exports averaged 17.4 Bcf/d in the first half of 2026, up 23% from the same period in 2025, driven mainly by new export capacity from Plaquemines LNG, Corpus Christi Stage 3, and Golden Pass LNG.

Strong global LNG prices also encouraged exports near maximum capacity. Higher demand in Asia, partly caused by disruptions to LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, more than doubled U.S. LNG shipments to Asia compared with 2025.

Looking ahead, EIA expects U.S. LNG exports to average 17.3 Bcf/d in the second half of 2026 and rise to 18.7 Bcf/d in the first half of 2027 as additional capacity comes online.