U.S. LNG exports at new record in September on strong Louisiana shipments

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(The Center Square) – U.S. LNG exports hit a record high in September at 9.4 million metric tons, up from a previous record 9.3 million metric tons in August, according to preliminary data from financial firm LSEG.

The United States was the world's largest liquefied natural gas exporter in 2024, with Louisiana accounting for about 61% of total LNG shipments. Texas, the second biggest exporter, was the source of about 31% of the U.S. LNG shipped overseas in 2024.

Weekly data compiled by Bloomberg shows 81 LNG tankers departed Louisiana export terminals between Sept. 3 and October 1, representing 67% of total U.S. shipments during the four-week period. The data shows 35 LNG tankers departed Texas export facilities during the same four weeks, while three shipments left terminals in Virginia and Georgia, according to Bloomberg.

Cheniere Energy’s Sabine Pass facility in Cameron Parish, the world’s largest export terminal with capacity of 29.5 million tons per year, shipped 32 cargos in September.

“Louisiana is leading the nation in LNG exports and it is crucial that our leaders continue to support the policies that have unleashed this dominance,” said Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association. “Louisiana’s energy industry is revitalizing our state’s economy and creating the opportunities that will keep our kids here in Louisiana,” Faucheux said.

Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has advanced U.S. "energy dominance" through executive orders and policies that streamline the permitting process on LNG projects and reduce regulatory burdens on existing export facilities. 

Commonwealth's LNG facility in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, was authorized in February to export up to 1.21 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to non-FTA countries and in August Venture Global's Calcasieu Pass LNG project was approved for an increase in liquefaction capacity from 12.0 to 12.4 million tons per year.

In May, the DOE issued a final authorization to Sempra Energy’s Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project that allows exports to countries that do not have free trade agreements with the United States.

Trump has also taken actions to advance U.S. energy dominance through trade deals, such as such as a recent agreement with the European Union for the purchase of $750 billion of American energy products.

Record overseas purchases of U.S. LNG in September was driven by strong sales to Europe and Asia, according to LSEG. Europe, the most popular destination for U.S. exports in September, received about 6.22 million metric tons, or about 66% of all LNG shipments from American ports. Asian nations received about 1.63 million metric tons in September, about 17% of total U.S. exports.

Africa and Latin American nations received a combined 1.63 million metric tons in September, representing about 15% of U.S. LNG exports.