U.S. LNG exports are projected to nearly double by 2031, becoming the nation’s second-largest net export industry and adding an estimated $1.4 trillion to the economy, according to a new S&P Global Energy study.
U.S. liquefied natural gas exports totaled $44 billion in 2025, accounting for 30% of the global market and surpassing major agricultural exports such as corn and soybeans, the report said. Only the civilian aircraft and parts industry will export more in 2031 than U.S. LNG producers.
The revolution in U.S. shale drilling that began around 2008 unlocked cheap gas supply, but regional policies and pipeline bottlenecks have created price differentials, particularly in Northeastern markets, according to the research firm. New pipelines and improvements to those already existing could materially ease peak winter prices by over 20% in Northeast markets by 2031, the research firm said in the report. Read more from Center Square.
