Commodities
LNG Trade Hits Record High Amid Middle East Conflict Risks
The global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade hit a record high in 2025, driven by strong U.S. exports and rising European imports.
According to a report by the International Gas Union (IGU), global LNG trade rose 6.3% to 436.98 million metric tons last year, the fastest rate of growth since 2022.
The IGU attributed this growth to Europe's largest increase in imports, up 26.1 million tons to 126.2 million tons, as it replenished inventories and replaced lower Russian gas flows.
However, conflict in the Middle East may cloud the outlook for LNG trade in 2026, with IGU President Andrea Stegher warning that damage to infrastructure and flow uncertainty could lead to a contraction.