Geneva: Global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade reached a record high in 2025, driven by robust US exports and surging European imports that offset a decline in Asian demand, according to the International Gas Union: The report, however, warned that the Middle East conflict could trigger a contraction this year.
According to Oman News Agency, the Gulf conflict has damaged LNG infrastructure, clouded the outlook for expansion projects in the region, and left Asian buyers facing uncertainty over flows and higher prices, stated International Gas Union President Andrea Steiger. Global LNG trade rose 6.3 percent to 436.98 million tonnes in 2025, marking the fastest growth since 2022.
Europe experienced the largest increase in imports, rising by 26.1 million tonnes to 126.2 million tonnes, as it aimed to rebuild stocks and counterbalance reduced Russian pipeline gas. Despite a 9.2 million tonne decrease in Asian purchases, the Asia-Pacific region remained the largest importing region at 168.7 million tonnes, primarily due to weaker demand in China and India.
China maintained its position as the world's top LNG importer at 69.77 million tonnes, although imports decreased by 8.9 million tonnes year-on-year. The report highlighted diverging trends in Asia: China's LNG imports fell due to higher domestic supply and increased Russian pipeline gas, while reduced production in parts of Southeast Asia led to increased spot LNG purchases.
Japan ranked second among importers at 67.37 million tonnes, while South Korea's imports increased by 1.7 million tonnes to 48.67 million. The International Gas Union noted that prolonged high LNG prices could impact demand growth in emerging Asian economies, particularly in South and Southeast Asia.
The United States remained the world's largest LNG exporter, shipping 110.74 million tonnes, followed by Qatar with about 81.51 million tonnes and Australia with about 80.32 million tonnes. The International Gas Union represents more than 130 member countries, accounting for over 90 percent of the global gas market.