US LNG Exports Surge 23% Amid Global Price Volatility
The US Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Natural Gas Monthly report shows that US liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports rose by 23% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. This growth can be attributed to the addition of new terminals and expansions at existing facilities, which have increased export capacity.
According to the EIA, US LNG exports averaged 17.4 billion cubic feet per day (ft3/d) in the first half of 2026. The agency also estimates that exports will average 17.3 billion ft3/d in the second half of 2026 and rise to 18.7 billion ft3/d in the first half of 2027.
The Global LNG prices remained high throughout the first half of 2026, incentivizing US exports to operate at maximum output levels. In March, disruptions to LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz cut off approximately 20% of global LNG supplies, mostly from Qatar. This led to a doubling of US LNG shipments to Asia in the first half of 2026 compared to last year.