U.S. Achieves Historic LNG Export Milestone in 2025

The United States shattered records in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports in 2025, becoming the first nation to exceed 100 million metric tons (mmt) in a single year. According to preliminary data from LSEG, U.S. exports reached 111 mmt, surpassing its closest competitor, Qatar, by nearly 20 mmt and marking an increase of almost 23 mmt compared to 2024.

This significant achievement was driven by the activation of new production facilities, with the U.S. maintaining a commanding presence in the global LNG market, accounting for approximately a quarter of worldwide exports last year. The Plaquemines facility, operated by Venture Global, contributed notably to this surge, exporting 16.4 mmt in 2025 after commencing operations in December 2024.

Factors Behind Record Growth

Analysts attribute the 24 percent year-on-year growth in exports to high utilization rates at existing terminals and a swift ramp-up in production at newly established facilities. December 2025 marked a particular milestone, as the U.S. exported 11.5 mmt in that month alone, setting a record for monthly LNG exports. In total, the U.S. set five monthly production records throughout the year.

“It is remarkable that in nine years the U.S. has gone from zero LNG exports to over 100 mmt, and the success validates the U.S. approach of selling free on board and pulling gas off the grid while ensuring the reliability of U.S. supplies,” stated Jason Feer, head of business intelligence at Poten and Partners.

Europe Remains a Key Market

Europe continued to be the primary destination for U.S. LNG, with nine mmt shipped to the continent in December as demand surged due to colder weather and a reduction in Russian gas imports. Notably, Turkey increased its purchases of U.S. LNG, importing 1.45 mmt, while sales to Asia saw a decline, dropping from 1.75 mmt in November to 1.23 mmt in December.

Additionally, Egypt remained a significant buyer amid its ongoing natural gas shortages, securing 0.78 mmt of U.S. LNG in December, with the Americas region also taking in 0.42 mmt.

Looking ahead, as the Plaquemines facility aims to reach full capacity in 2026, along with Cheniere’s smaller modular LNG plants expected to ramp up production, Feer predicts that the U.S. could potentially increase its annual LNG output by another 20 mmt in the upcoming year. This continued growth underscores the evolving landscape of the global energy market and the pivotal role the U.S. plays within it.