Global LNG Trade Hit Record 437 Million Tons in 2025 Despite Damage to Middle East Infrastructure

Global LNG trade reached a record 437 million tons in 2025, up 6.3 percent from the previous year and marking the strongest annual growth since 2022, the International Gas Union said Tuesday. The increase stemmed mainly from higher exports by the United States and Qatar along with first-time shipments from Canada and the Mauritania-Senegal joint project, the group stated in its World LNG Report 2026.

Sixty-eight point four million tonnes per annum of liquefaction capacity reached final investment decision in 2025, the strongest year for project approvals since 2019 and the close of a five-year cycle that approved 206 Mtpa of new capacity overall.

The Middle East conflict damaged LNG infrastructure, clouded the outlook for regional expansion projects, and exposed Asian buyers to flow uncertainty and higher prices, IGU president Andrea Stegher said. The industry nevertheless demonstrated resilience and flexibility during the crisis, the union said, adding that LNG's ability to redistribute large volumes of energy from a broadening supply base enhances its role as a shock absorber to the global economy.

The International Gas Union represents 90 percent of global gas producers and importers.