Global exports of liquefied natural gas in 2025 are likely to see the largest increase in three years as new supplies begin in North America.
Exports are estimated at 429 million tonnes, up 4% from a year ago, according to Kpler, which tracks shipment data. This would be the largest annual increase since 2022, when exports rose 4.5% year-on-year, the data showed. The rise was primarily driven by production-boosting projects like LNG in Canada and Plaquemines in the US.
Global LNG exports likely to increase the most since 2022
Shipping volume increases due to new supply from North America
Note: December 2025 values are estimates based on ship tracking data compiled by Kpler.
The United States is poised to strengthen its role as a major exporter this year, shipping more than 100 million tons of LNG for the first time in history. The country is expected to continue increasing supplies, doubling production by the end of 2010 and increasing exports.
This is likely to lead to lower gasoline prices in Asia and Europe. Asian prices are already near this year’s lows, and European futures are down more than 40% since the start of the year.
Increased production could further tighten demand for ships transporting supercooled fuel. Last month, the cost of transporting LNG across the Atlantic hit an almost two-year high as a surge in supply increased demand for tankers.
Exports could reach a record high of around 41 million tonnes in December, according to Kpler. Data shows that although total imports from China this year are about 15% lower than in 2024, China and Japan remain the world’s biggest buyers, ranking first this year as well.
Egypt’s inbound shipments continued to increase after the country became a net importer last year. The country may have purchased around 8.9 million tonnes of LNG this year, more than three times as much as last year.
LNG volumes are expected to continue growing at 7.5% to 8% next year, with a wave of new supplies and lower prices stimulating demand, Bloomberg Intelligence said in a note.
LNG wrap will be suspended over the holidays and will resume on January 5th.
