US LNG exports record highest ever in August
LSEG's preliminary data shows that U.S. LNG exports reached a record high in August, as plants completed planned maintenance and Venture Global’s Plaquemines plant continued to increase production.
According to LSEG, August exports totaled 9,33 million metric tonnes, surpassing the previous monthly record of 9.25 millions tons set in April and exceeding the 9.1million tons exported in July.
Plaquemines, the second largest LNG plant in the U.S., has a capacity to produce 27.2 million tonnes per year (MTPA). Its production has been increasing every month since its start-up in December 2024. This helps the U.S. remain the world's leading LNG exporter. LSEG data shows that Plaquemines exported 1.6 million tonnes in August. This is 17% of the total U.S. imports. Plaquemines, which is still in construction, is expected to start producing from all 18 of its plants by September, potentially increasing production further.
EUROPE STILL Top Destination for U.S. LNG
The European natural gas storage levels this year were lower than in 2024. This is because there was less of a rush to stockpile fuel for the winter season, as Asian imports are lower.
With no or little arbitrage between European gas prices and Asian gas price, Europe remains the top destination for U.S. exports of LNG, with 6,16 million tons or 66%. LSEG's ship tracking data shows that this is up from the 5.25 million ton, or 58% sold in July.
According to LSEG, European gas prices dropped in August from $11.56 to $11.13 per mmBtu at the Dutch Title Transfer Facility. Gas prices in Asia were also lower than in Europe in August. The benchmark Japan Korea Marker dropped to $11.63 from $12.18 in July.
LSEG data shows that exports to Asia decreased slightly in August, from 1.8 to 1.47 millions of tons.
EGYPT CONTINUES BUYING U.S. LNG
Egypt's natural gas production has declined. It is now only 3,485 standard cubic metres in April 2025, compared to a peak of 6133 standard cubic meters reached in March 2021. In June, Egypt announced that it would increase LNG imports in order to meet its power needs.
LSEG ship tracking showed that Egypt bought nine LNG cargoes in August, totaling 0.57 million tonnes, or 6%, of the total U.S. LNG exported. This is compared to 0.59 million tonnes it purchased in July.
Exports to Latin America Fall
U.S. LNG exported to Latin America in August fell to 0.69 millions tons or 7% of the total U.S. Exports. This is down from 1.03million tons in July. Trinidad and Tobago was a good supplier of LNG to the region, as its Atlantic LNG plant, owned by Shell and BP, has been producing more LNG since June. It exported 0.8 million tonnes in August according to LSEG.
LSEG data shows that Shell's LNG Canada Plant at Kitimat, on Canada's West Coast, continued to increase its exports through Train 1. Five shipments totaled 0.4 million tonnes in August, up 0.3 million in July.
LSEG's ship tracking data revealed that 4 percent, or 0.37 millions tons, of U.S. exports of LNG had no destination listed. This indicated they were ready for orders. Curtis Williams, Houston; Nathan Crooks & Edmund Klamann.
(source: Reuters)
