Liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from the United States fell to 8.9 million metric tons in May. This was a drop from April’s record high of 9.3 million tons. The decline was mainly due to maintenance work at LNG plants.
Data from LSEG, reported by Reuters, showed that Cheniere Energy’s Sabine Pass plant—the largest LNG facility in the US—ran at its lowest level in two years because of maintenance.
In May, Europe received the largest share of US LNG exports, with 6.05 million tons, making up 68% of the total. Asia imported 1.88 million tons, about 21% of May’s exports.
Earlier this month, the International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers warned that LNG demand is uncertain. The group’s president said long-term demand looks strong, but short- and medium-term forecasts are unclear due to price swings, geopolitical tensions, and uneven economic recovery in Asia.
Despite these concerns, US LNG producers remain optimistic. They plan to increase production later this year. Cheniere is preparing to start four new trains at its Corpus Christi plant. Venture Global expects to finish building its Plaquemines plant soon, and Golden Pass LNG is about to begin operations.
Looking ahead, even more LNG exports are coming. Sempra Energy recently got federal approval to start exports from its Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 facility in Texas, which is still under construction. The permit allows exports of 13.5 million tons annually. So far, the current US administration has approved new LNG export capacity averaging 11.45 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day.
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