Snapshot from Aug 01, 2026 at 07:00 UTC. For live data and tracking: View Live
Business trade report

Global LNG trade record 2025

Analysis based on 14 articles · First reported Jul 07, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026

Sentiment
20
Attention
4
Articles
14
Market Impact
General
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The record LNG trade and US export growth signal strong global demand and a shift in supply dynamics, benefiting US LNG producers. However, the Strait of Hormuz closure creates supply uncertainty and price volatility, particularly for Asian and European buyers competing for spot cargoes.

Oil & Gas Energy

Global LNG trade volumes reached a record high in 2025, rising 5.4% to 56.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d), driven largely by a 26% surge in US LNG exports to 15.1 Bcf/d, according to the US United States — Energy Information Administration (EIA). The US, Qatar, and Australia remained the top three exporters, accounting for 63% of global exports. Canada entered the export market with 0.3 Bcf/d after Canada began operations in June 2025. However, Qatari exports have declined in 2026 due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, cutting off about 20% of global LNG supplies. European imports rose 29% to 3.8 Bcf/d, driven by the expiry of the Ukraine-Russia gas transit agreement, while Asian imports fell 4% as China reduced imports by 15% by boosting pipeline gas and domestic production. Russian exports fell 8% due to EU sanctions. Egypt, Bahrain, and Senegal increased or started imports.

90 Middle East damaged LNG infrastructure
85 United States exported record LNG
80 Qatar saw exports decline
80 European Union increased LNG imports
80 Strait of Hormuz closed
80 International Gas Union reported record trade
75 Europe increased LNG imports
74 European Union imposed sanctions Russia
70 Qatar exported LNG
70 Ukraine expired gas transit agreement
70 International Gas Union warned of contraction
70 Australia exported LNG
65 China reduced LNG imports
60 Canada entered LNG exports
+ 8 more actions View on Dashboard
cnt
US LNG exports surged 26% to a record 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025, making the US the largest exporter and a key driver of global trade growth. Further increases are forecast.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment 80.0
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Qatar's exports rose 3% in 2025 but have declined in 2026 due to the Strait of Hormuz closure, cutting off about 20% of global LNG supplies and hurting its export volumes.
Importance 90.0 Sentiment -40.0
alliance
EU sanctions on Russia contributed to a decline in Russian LNG exports. Europe's LNG imports rose 29% in 2025, driven by the gas transit agreement expiry.
Importance 80.0 Sentiment 30.0
loc
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, 2026 has cut off approximately 20% of global LNG supplies, disrupting Qatari exports and causing market tightness.
Importance 80.0 Sentiment -60.0
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China's LNG imports fell 15% (1.5 Bcf/d) in 2025 as it increased pipeline gas imports and domestic production, reducing its reliance on LNG.
Importance 70.0 Sentiment 20.0
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Australia remained a top-three LNG exporter but reported lower exports in 2025 due to facility maintenance.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment -10.0
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Russian LNG exports fell 8% (0.4 Bcf/d) in 2025, the largest volumetric decline, due to EU sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine.
Importance 50.0 Sentiment -30.0
govactor
The EIA published the report detailing record LNG trade and forecasts for US exports.
Importance 50.0 Sentiment 0.0
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Canada entered the LNG export market in June 2025 with 0.3 Bcf/d from Canada, marking a new source of supply.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment 50.0
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The Ukraine-Russia gas transit agreement expired at end of 2024, reducing pipeline gas supplies to Europe and increasing LNG import demand.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment -20.0
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Malaysia reported lower LNG exports in 2025 due to maintenance at export facilities.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment -10.0
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Egypt raised LNG imports to 1.2 Bcf/d in 2025 from 0.3 Bcf/d in 2024 due to domestic supply shortages.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 10.0
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Norway reported lower LNG exports in 2025 due to maintenance at export facilities.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment -10.0
ngo
GIIGNL also reported on the record LNG trade volumes.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 0.0
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Bahrain imported its first LNG cargo in 2025, less than 0.1 Bcf/d, marking entry into the LNG market.
Importance 10.0 Sentiment 10.0
+ 1 more entities View on Dashboard
United States ally Qatar The United States relies on Qatar as a strategic partner and Major Non-NATO Ally in the Middle East, utilizing Al Udeid
United States strategic rivals China The United States perceives China as a strategic rival, engaging in an economic and technological competition while also
United States related Australia
United States adversaries Russia The United States considers Russia a hostile adversary, actively imposing sanctions, providing military aid to Ukraine,
United States strained-ally Canada The United States has severely strained its historically close relationship with Canada by imposing sweeping tariffs and
United States strategic-partner Ukraine The United States serves as Ukraine's primary security patron, providing billions in military aid while increasingly lev
Qatar related European Union
Qatar related China
Qatar related Australia
Qatar related Russia
Qatar related Canada
Qatar related Ukraine
+ 21 more relationships View on Dashboard
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