Despite supply disruptions in the Middle East, global liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports recorded growth in the first quarter of 2026.
According to data from the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), LNG exports rose by 3.8% year-on-year to 112.2 million tons over the reporting period. The decline in production in the Middle East amid the US–Iran confrontation and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz was offset by increased output in the United States and Canada.
In the first quarter, the United States increased LNG exports by 23.2%, reaching 32.3 million tons, raising its global market share to a record 28.8%. Australia’s exports grew by 5.4% to 19.9 million tons. In contrast, Qatar saw a 33.2% decline to 14.7 million tons due to attacks on LNG facilities. The United Arab Emirates recorded a sharp drop of 39.6% to 970,000 tons, while Russia’s LNG exports increased by 8.3% to 8.9 million tons.
On the demand side, growth in Asia remained limited, with imports rising by just 1% to 66.9 million tons. Combined imports by China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan edged up 0.6% to 51.74 million tons. China’s LNG imports fell by 6.3% to 14.4 million tons, driven by higher domestic production and alternative supply sources. Japan’s imports remained stable at 18.2 million tons, while South Korea’s imports rose by 6.9% to 13.4 million tons.
Europe, however, saw more dynamic growth. LNG imports across the region, including the United Kingdom and Türkiye, increased by 11.1% to around 40 million tons. In the European Union, imports rose by 12% to 28.3 million tons. Due to colder weather conditions and declining storage levels, LNG’s share in Europe’s total gas imports climbed to 50.6%.
