The U.S. reported a 3% rise in LNG exports in the first half of 2024 compared to the first-half 2023, according to the most recent data published by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The top ten destinations are countries in Europe (six, including the U.K.) and Asia (four).

U.S. LNG exports averaged 11.8 Bcf/d in the first half of 2024, rising 3% compared to 11.5 Bcf/d in the first half of 2023, the DOE reported in its monthly report.

Total U.S. natural gas exports averaged 21 Bcf/d in the first half of 2024, which likewise represented a 3% rise compared to 20.3 Bcf/d in the first half of 2023, DOE said.

U.S. LNG exports represented 56% of the total gas exports in the first half of 2024, down slightly from 57% in the first half of 2023. Thereafter, U.S. piped-gas exports represented 44% compared to 43% in first-half 2023. Notably, U.S. gas shipped by truck and ISO containers continues to represent minimum percentages, according to DOE data analyzed by Hart Energy.

In the aftermath of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 and the disruption of gas flows from Russia into Europe, the U.S. has further emerged as an important player in the LNG space. LNG in the U.S. is growing, despite increased weather-related event and facility incidents coupled with delays due to the LNG pause implemented by the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden. All three items raised concerns among buyers of U.S. LNG in recent years.

In January 2024, Biden’s administration announced a temporary pause on pending LNG exports permits, allowing the DOE time to complete any necessary analysis of greenhouse gas emissions impacts when making the authorizations.

The U.S. was the world’s largest LNG producer in 2023, exporting 84.5 million tonnes per annum, according to the International Gas Union (IGU). The U.S. was followed closely thereafter by Australia and Qatar, according to IGU data, the second- and third-largest LNG exporters in the world.

Collectively, the top three LNG exporting countries accounted for 60.4% of the world’s total LNG output in 2023, according to the IGU.

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The top 10 destinations worldwide for U.S. LNG exports received 67% of the total U.S. LNG exports in the first half of 2024, according to the DOE. The 10 destinations were the Netherlands, France, Japan, South Korea, India, Germany, the U.K., Spain, China and Italy—in that order.

The U.S., which just started exporting LNG in 2016, is home to 7 liquefaction facilities.

The largest facility is located in Sabine Pass, Louisiana; followed by Corpus Christi, Texas; then Cameron, Louisiana; Cameron (Calcasieu Pass), Louisiana; Freeport, Texas; Cove Point, Maryland; and Elba Island, Georgia, according to DOE data.

A number of U.S. LNG export facilities under construction are expected to add significant capacity by 2030, according to the IGU and other research entities ranging from the U.S.-based Energy Information Administration (EIA) to the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA).

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