Global LNG trade hit record in 2025, but Middle East conflict clouds outlook, IGU says - EUROPE SAYS
Global liquefied natural gas trade hit a record last year as strong U. S. exportsand rising European imports offset weaker Asian purchases, theInternational Gas Union said in a report on Wednesday. Conflict. . .
Global liquefied natural gas trade hit a record last year as strong U. S. exportsand rising European imports offset weaker Asian purchases, theInternational Gas Union said in a report on Wednesday. Conflict in the Middle East could lead to a contraction in2026, however, it warned. “The conflict in the Gulf has damaged LNG infrastructure,clouded the outlook for the region’s expansion projects, andexposed Asian buyers to flow uncertainty and higher prices,” IGUPresident Andrea Stegher said. Global LNG trade rose 6. 3% to 436. 98 million metric tonsin 2025, the fastest rate of growth since 2022, the IGU said inthe report. Europe recorded the largest increase in imports, up 26. 1million tons to 126. 2 million tons, as it replenishedinventories and replaced lower Russian gas flows. Asia Pacific remained the largest LNG-importing region,receiving 168. 7 million tons, though imports to Asia were down9. 2 million tons, due mainly to lower demand in China and India. China remained the world’s largest LNG importer at 69. 77million tons, but imports fell 8. 9 million tons year-on-year. The report highlights diverging trends in Asia, withChinese LNG imports down due to stronger domestic supply andhigher pipeline imports from Russia, while lower production inparts of Southeast Asia boosted reliance on LNG spot purchases. Japan was the second-largest importer at 67. 37 milliontons, while South Korea increased imports by 1. 7 million tons to48. 67 million tons. The IGU said prolonged periods of elevated LNG pricescould weigh on demand growth in emerging Asian economies,particularly in South and Southeast Asia. Chinese LNG re-exports rose 45. 8% to 0. 67 million tons. The U. S. remained the world’s largest LNG exporter,shipping 110. 74 million tons, followed by Qatar with 81. 51million tons and Australia with 80. 32 million tons. The IGU has more than 130 members worldwide, representingmore than 90% of the global gas marketPublished on July 7, 2026Tags:gas priceLiquefied natural gaslngLNG Pricenatural gas