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22 min ago 2 min read
The US was the largest contributor to global LNG supply growth in 2025, adding 23.4 million tonnes (Mt) to international trade volumes between 2024 and 2025, according to the International Gas Union’s (IGU) latest world LNG report.
In 2025, global LNG trade reached a record of 436.98 Mt of LNG, up 25.74 Mt from 2024.
Andrea Stegher, President of the International Gas Union, said the global trade growth rate of 6.3% represents the highest rate of development in four years.
The global LNG supply chain connected 24 exporting markets with 50 importing markets, highlighting the continued expansion of international trade flows, according to the IGU.
IGU data shows European LNG imports increased by around 100 Mt in 2025, as the region continued to diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on Russian pipeline gas.
The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) European LNG Tracker also supports IGU’s data, showing that Europe’s shift away from Russian gas has its reliance on US LNG exports between 2021 and 2025.
Potential liquefaction capacity
According to IGU data, 1,105.4 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of potential liquefaction capacity is immobilised at facilities in the pre-final investment decision (FID) stage.
North America accounts for the largest share of potential LNG capacity at 650.3 mtpa, with 384.4 mtpa in the US and 227.3 mtpa in Canada.
The IGU said LNG project development and investment are concentrated in North America due to its strong commercial environment.
Between 2024 and 2025, North American LNG exports increased by 25.27 Mt, largely supported by Canada’s entry into the LNG export market and higher output from Mexico.
First Canadian LNG exports
Canada entered the global LNG market in 2025 with a 0.5% share, exporting 2.14 Mt of LNG during the year.
The country has one major operational facility, LNG Canada Phase 1, which began exports in June 2025.
Proposed large-scale export projects, including Ksi Lisims and Phase 2 of LNG Canada, are several years away from completion.
Canada’s West Coast LNG projects are strategically positioned for LNG exports to the Asian market compared to the US.
However, the IGU cautions these projects face environmental approval and pipeline development challenges.
IGU’s report coincides with Canada’s efforts to double low-carbon LNG production and scale LNG exports across Asia and Europe, amid ongoing global LNG supply chain disruption.
