US LNG Exports Rise 15.5% in May as Asian Demand Surges

US LNG exports rise 15.5% year on year in May

The United States shipped 14.2 billion cubic metres of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to foreign markets in May 2026, up 15.5 percent from the same month a year earlier, according to US Department of Energy figures cited by TASS. The monthly total was 6.5 percent below April, but the year-on-year gain underscores how quickly American export capacity continues to expand.

Over the first five months of 2026, the United States shipped roughly 74.9 billion cubic metres of LNG, 22 percent more than in January to May 2025. That pace positions American suppliers as the main competitor to Russian gas across both Atlantic and Pacific markets.

Europe and East Asia dominate purchases

Europe and East Asia remained the primary destinations. The Netherlands bought 1.8 billion cubic metres, South Korea took 1.4 billion, Italy 1.32 billion, Japan 1.2 billion and Egypt 1 billion cubic metres.

The share of shipments heading to Asia reached 41.3 percent in May, up sharply from 30.3 percent in April. The Department of Energy data links the shift to the crisis in the Middle East and the halt of Qatari LNG exports, which has pushed buyers toward alternative suppliers.

Qatari disruption reshapes buyer strategies

The interruption of Qatari cargoes is already changing procurement plans. China intends to reduce its dependence on Qatari LNG after shipping problems in the Strait of Hormuz, and Canada is seen as a possible new supplier for Chinese buyers.

For Russia, the trend narrows the room to defend market share. In Europe, US cargoes continue to displace pipeline volumes; in Asia, the market Moscow counted on to absorb redirected supply, American and potentially Canadian LNG is arriving first. With export growth running at 22 percent over five months, American suppliers are consolidating a lead that leaves Russian gas competing largely on price.