Global liquefied natural gas trade reached a record 411.2 million tons in 2024, up 2.4% from the previous year, with the U.S. cementing its lead as the top exporter, The Center Square reports.
According to the International Gas Union, U.S. LNG shipments reached 88.4 million tons—boosted by increased production and the launch of new liquefaction units, including the Plaquemines LNG facility in Louisiana.
The U.S. now holds 97.5 million tons of annual liquefaction capacity, with Louisiana’s Woodside terminal projected to add another 16.5 million.
The expansion of U.S. LNG capacity in 2024 was supported by a favorable political climate. One of President Donald Trump’s first actions after returning to office was to lift a pause on LNG export permits to non-free trade agreement countries, a policy originally implemented under the Biden administration.
North America dominates proposed expansion plans, with 648.4 million tons of potential new capacity in pre-FID stages—more than half in the U.S. alone. Still, the outlook is clouded by geopolitical risk.
