U.S. dominance of global LNG exports: Lessons for Nigeria

    Paul Igbinoba | Insights | Mar 09, 2026    
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The article examines the rapid transformation of the United States (U.S.) from a net importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for decades to a net exporter of LNG in 2017-2018; and to the leading global LNG exporter since 2022. The U.S. began its foray into LNG exports with 0.5 billion cubic feet per year (bcf/y) in 2016 reaching an estimated average of14.6 bcf/y in 2025, with total shipments growing significantly in the first ten months of the year. According to the United States’ Energy Information Administration (EIA), exports could rise to 18.1 billion cubic feet per year by 2027, which is about 137.54 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). The U.S. has not only outpaced Australia and Qatar as the leading exporter of LNG globally, but its operational capacity grew by 24 mtpa to a total of 116 mtpa in 2025. Exports grew by 25% year-on-year in 2025. The U.S. exports LNG to 48 countries, Europe is its major export region and South Korea is the single largest export market. There are currently eight LNG export terminals (LNG liquefaction plant, plus storage tanks and jetties or shipping infrastructure and administrative facilities). By the time current construction of additional export terminals are completed by the end of the decade, the total LNG export capacity of the U.S. is expected to increase to 26 billion cubic feet per day or 266 billion cubic meters per annum – approximately 197.6 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).

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