US LNG Exports Set to Surpass 120 Million Metric Tons by 2026
The United States is poised to export over 120 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by 2026, according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright. This projection follows the country's historic milestone of surpassing 100 million metric tons of LNG exports in a single year in 2025. Wright's announcement was made on X (formerly Twitter) on September 22, highlighting the rapid expansion of the U.S. LNG industry.
The growth in LNG exports is driven by significant capacity expansions at key facilities. Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG facility in Louisiana saw a 13% capacity increase, raising its export capacity to 3.85 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd). Similarly, Cheniere Energy’s Corpus Christi LNG project in Texas received approval for an additional 0.47 bcfd, making it one of the largest LNG export hubs in the country. Other projects, like the Elba Island LNG terminal in Georgia, have also seen capacity increases, contributing to the overall export surge.
However, the rapid expansion of LNG exports has raised concerns about domestic natural gas prices. Senator Elizabeth Warren and other lawmakers have expressed worries that increased exports could drive up heating and electricity bills for American consumers. Despite these concerns, domestic natural gas prices have remained stable around $3 per million British thermal units (MMbtu) since spring 2025, suggesting that U.S. production has largely kept pace with rising exports and domestic demand.
The U.S. has become the world’s largest LNG exporter, a position bolstered by its strategic advantages. Gulf Coast terminals can supply both European and Asian markets, offering flexibility to redirect shipments based on global price dynamics. This role has become even more critical in 2025 due to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has affected supplies from Qatar and other Gulf producers. As new projects continue to come online, the U.S. is set to strengthen its position as a key global supplier of LNG.