In 2024, global liquefied natural gas trade volume amounted to *** billion cubic meters. Between 1970 and 2024, figures increased by *** billion cubic meters. In 2024, the United States was the world's major LNG exporting country, with and export volume of around *** billion cubic meters. At that same time, China was the major LNG importing country, with figures over ****billion cubic meters.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is to supplant pipelines as the most common form of shipping natural gas across borders. Although pipelines had accounted for the majority of natural gas transportation since 2000, by 2035, LNG trade volumes are forecast to reach *** billion cubic meters. This would be ** billion cubic meters more than the amount transported via pipelines. The gap is expected to widen until 2050, when LNG trade is forecast to reach *** trillion cubic meters.

Germany Imports: Volume: Oil and Natural Gas data was reported at 9,536,351.000 Tonne in Feb 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 11,496,366.400 Tonne for Jan 2025. Germany Imports: Volume: Oil and Natural Gas data is updated monthly, averaging 14,741,524.500 Tonne from Jan 2008 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 206 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 19,437,364.800 Tonne in Mar 2020 and a record low of 8,091,143.700 Tonne in Sep 2023. Germany Imports: Volume: Oil and Natural Gas data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistisches Bundesamt. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.JA003: Trade Statistics: Volume. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

Key natural gas trading hubs in the United States. Primary considerations for areas selected include high trading volumes, geographic coverage, adoption by multiple price reporting agencies, and use in natural gas contracts. Each hub location is identified by an approximate central point.

Natural gas trade worldwide stood at *** billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2022, with most of it being transported as liquefied natural gas (LNG). As global LNG trade is projected to grow over the next decade, transportation of natural gas via pipelines is expected to decrease. For instance, under a net-zero emissions (NZE) by 2050 scenario, pipeline gas trade would drop to *** bcm in 2030. The same scenario would also see production of conventional and unconventional natural gas decrease when compared to 2022 levels.

The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) regulates the export of natural gas. Orders or licenses are required to export natural gas, including liquefied natural gas, from Canada. Holders of these authorizations report monthly on their activities to CER. Import and export activities are available by port from 1985 to August 2024. Data is delayed by approximately 2 months. Going forward, natural gas export data is available on this website. Disclaimer: The CER stopped authorizing natural gas import activities in August 2022 as it is not a requirement under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (see the CER’s 3 February 2023 letter - https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/about/how-we-regulate/guidance/cera/gas-import-authorization-regulatory-change-no-new-import-authorizations-required.html). This impacted the natural gas (including liquefied natural gas) import data submitted to the CER. Since the CER stopped authorizing import activities, natural gas reports are based on incomplete data and do not reflect the total volumes imported. The CER’s natural gas import reports will be discontinued after October 2024. Historical data will remain on our website. Another set of natural gas import data is available through Statistics Canada’s Canadian International Merchandise Trade web application (https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/71-607-x/71-607-x2021004-eng.html).

Russia Exports: Georgia: Volume: Natural Gas data was reported at 0.100 Cub m bn in 2009. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.300 Cub m bn for 2008. Russia Exports: Georgia: Volume: Natural Gas data is updated yearly, averaging 0.200 Cub m bn from Dec 1994 (Median) to 2009, with 16 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.400 Cub m bn in 2006 and a record low of 0.000 Cub m bn in 2005. Russia Exports: Georgia: Volume: Natural Gas data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Customs Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Foreign Trade – Table RU.JAC029: Trade by Product: Georgia.

In 2023, the United Kingdom imported roughly 42 million metric tons of crude oil and natural gas liquids compared with an export of 25.4 million metric tons. The UK has been a net importer of this product for most years shown. Norway is the leading supplier of crude oil in the UK.

The world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2022 was the United States, with an export volume of 114.4 billion cubic meters. At that time, Qatar ranked second. LNG is natural gas that been made into a liquid by cooling to -260 degrees Fahrenheit/-162 degrees Celsius for shipping and storage purposes. LNG emerged in the 19th century so that it would be possible to transport natural gas through pipelines. Global LNG tradeChina was the world’s largest LNG importing country in 2023. In that year, the country imported around 97.8 billion cubic meters of liquefied natural gas. Following China was Japan, with imports amounting to 90.3 billion cubic meters in 2022. In 2022, the total global LNG trade volume amounted to 542 billion cubic meters. Qatar’s natural gas industryQatar is a key player in the world supply of natural gas, in fact it has the world’s third largest conventional natural gas reserves. Most of their natural gas is found in the massive offshore North Field, an area that is about the size of Qatar itself. Qatar’s massive natural gas reserves amount to about 24.7 trillion cubic meters in 2020. Natural gas production in Qatar came about to about 177 billion cubic meters in 2021.

Russia Exports: Armenia: Volume: Natural Gas data was reported at 2.000 Cub m bn in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.900 Cub m bn for 2016. Russia Exports: Armenia: Volume: Natural Gas data is updated yearly, averaging 1.500 Cub m bn from Dec 1996 (Median) to 2017, with 22 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.300 Cub m bn in 2008 and a record low of 0.000 Cub m bn in 2005. Russia Exports: Armenia: Volume: Natural Gas data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Customs Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Foreign Trade – Table RU.JAB018: Trade by Product: Armenia.

Natural Gas Trading Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global natural gas trading market size reached USD 580 billion in 2024, reflecting a robust industry with deep global integration and increasing liquidity. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% between 2025 and 2033, culminating in a forecasted market size of USD 1,088 billion by 2033. This growth is underpinned by rising demand for cleaner energy sources, the proliferation of trading platforms, and the expansion of natural gas infrastructure worldwide.

A major growth factor for the natural gas trading market is the global shift towards decarbonization and the increasing adoption of natural gas as a transitional fuel. With governments and industries striving to meet climate goals, natural gas is often seen as a bridge between coal-based energy and renewables. This transition is fostering greater investments in liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, pipeline networks, and storage facilities, which in turn is enhancing the liquidity and accessibility of natural gas markets. The proliferation of trading hubs in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific has further contributed to the standardization of contracts and pricing mechanisms, making it easier for market participants to engage in both physical and financial trading activities. As a result, the natural gas trading market is experiencing heightened activity and increased participation from a diverse range of stakeholders, including utilities, independent power producers, and financial institutions.

Technological advancements are playing a pivotal role in driving the efficiency and transparency of the natural gas trading market. The integration of digital trading platforms, real-time data analytics, and blockchain technology has streamlined trading operations, reduced transaction costs, and minimized counterparty risks. These innovations have facilitated the entry of new participants, including smaller utilities and independent traders, who previously faced barriers due to high capital requirements and limited market access. Moreover, the growing adoption of automated trading systems and algorithmic trading strategies is enhancing market liquidity and enabling faster execution of trades. This digital transformation is expected to continue shaping the competitive landscape of the natural gas trading market, encouraging further innovation and market expansion.

Geopolitical factors and evolving regulatory frameworks are also influencing the growth trajectory of the natural gas trading market. The diversification of supply sources, particularly through LNG imports, has reduced the reliance on traditional pipeline routes and enhanced energy security for many countries. At the same time, regulatory reforms aimed at liberalizing energy markets and promoting competition have led to the establishment of transparent pricing mechanisms and standardized trading contracts. These developments are fostering greater cross-border trading activity and attracting international investors. However, the market remains sensitive to geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, and policy changes, which can impact price volatility and trading volumes.

From a regional perspective, North America and Europe continue to lead the global natural gas trading market, driven by mature trading hubs, sophisticated infrastructure, and supportive regulatory environments. The Asia Pacific region is emerging as a key growth engine, fueled by rising energy demand, expanding LNG imports, and the development of new trading platforms. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing increased trading activity, albeit at a slower pace, as they invest in infrastructure and regulatory reforms to attract international participants. Overall, the global natural gas trading market is poised for sustained growth, supported by structural shifts in energy consumption, technological innovation, and evolving market dynamics.

Trading Type Analysis

The natural gas trading market is segmented by trading type into physical trading and financial trading, each playing a distinct role in the overall market ecosystem. Physical trading involves the actual delivery of natural gas, typically through pipelines or LNG shipments, and is dominated by utilities, industrial users, and large commercial entities. This segment is characterized by long-term contracts, bilateral negotiations, and a focus on supply security. In recent years,

Global natural gas production reached a record high of 4.19 trillion cubic meters in 2024, continuing a general upward trend that has persisted for decades. The increase in production aligns with rising global natural gas demand, which is projected to surpass 5.3 trillion cubic meters by 2050, driven largely by consumption in the Asia Pacific region. Liquefied natural gas trade expands As natural gas production rises, so does the global trade in liquefied natural gas (LNG). In 2023, LNG trade volume reached 549 billion cubic meters, with the United States emerging as the world's largest LNG exporter. The growth in LNG trade is supported by increasing liquefaction capacity, which reached 483.1 million metric tons in 2023, a 76 percent increase since 2010, although growth has slowed in recent years. United States leads in production and exports The United States has solidified its position as the world's leading natural gas producer and exporter. In 2023, U.S. production reached approximately one trillion cubic meters, accounting for roughly one fourth of global production. It significantly outpaces Russia, the second-largest producer. U.S. production dominance extends to exports, with the U.S. shipping 89.1 billion cubic meters via pipelines and 114.4 billion cubic meters as LNG in 2023.

795 Global import shipment records of Natural Gas with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

The size of the US Natural Gas Market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 5.00">> 5.00% during the forecast period. The natural gas market in the United States is a crucial component of the nation's energy landscape, involving the production, transportation, and utilization of natural gas, which is essential for electricity generation, heating, and various industrial applications. This market is notably influenced by the significant development of domestic shale gas resources, particularly from regions such as the Marcellus and Permian basins, which have greatly increased production levels in the U.S. As a result, the country has emerged as one of the foremost producers and exporters of natural gas globally. The market is supported by a comprehensive infrastructure, featuring an extensive network of pipelines, storage facilities, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals that enable effective distribution and international trade. The growth of natural gas usage has been propelled by its comparatively lower carbon emissions relative to coal and oil, aligning with environmental standards and sustainability objectives. Nevertheless, the market encounters challenges, including price fluctuations, changes in regulations, and environmental issues associated with hydraulic fracturing and methane emissions. In spite of these obstacles, the U.S. natural gas market continues to thrive, with ongoing investments in infrastructure and technology focused on improving efficiency and minimizing environmental effects. Ultimately, this market is vital to the nation's energy framework, enhancing energy security and fostering economic development. Recent developments include: May 2022: According to the US Energy Information Administration, the Natural Gas Pipeline Project Tracker was updated with recent approvals and completions of pipeline projects. As of the end of the first quarter of 2022, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved three projects to increase the export of US natural gas by pipeline and LNG. FERC approved two projects connecting LNG terminals in Louisiana. The Evangeline Pass Expansion Project, owned by Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, is 1.1 billion cubic feet in size. It is intended that the proposed Plaquemines LNG Project in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, be supplied with natural gas by constructing 13.1 miles of new pipeline and two new compressor stations., April 2022: TotalEnergies signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with Sempra Infrastructure, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and Japan LNG Investment for the expansion of Cameron LNG, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and export facility located in Louisiana, United States. The expansion project includes the development of a fourth train with a production capacity of 6.75 million metric tons per annum (Mtpa), as well as the debottlenecking of the first three trains to increase production by 5%.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Global Demand for Refined Petroleum Products4., Economic Growth and Industrialization. Potential restraints include: Environmental Concerns and Regulations. Notable trends are: Power Generation Segment to Dominate the Market.

This statistic shows the volume of natural gas traded worldwide via pipelines from 2010 to 2018. In 2018, the natural gas trade via pipelines worldwide amounted to a total of *** billion cubic meters.

China imports more liquefied natural gas (LNG) than any other country in the world. In 2023, China purchased some 97.8 billion cubic meters worth of LNG. Natural gas and LNG Liquefied natural gas is natural gas that has been turned into liquid state so that it can be transported and stored more easily and cost-effectively. Natural gas is mainly comprised of methane with a little bit of ethane. As a non-toxic gas, it is also odorless and colorless. Natural gas is turned into a liquid by decreasing the temperature of the gas to -160 degrees Celsius (-260 degrees Fahrenheit). Global LNG trade Since 1970, LNG trade has been increasing in almost every year. In 2022, the global trade volume of LNG was 542 billion cubic meters, an increase from the previous year. The United States has become the world's major exporter of LNG, at roughly 114.4 billion cubic meters sold and was closely followed by Qatar. Due to the remote location of both countries, i.e. their relative distance to large consumer markets, liquefying gas is their only means of selling natural gas on a large scale.

Germany Exports: Volume: Oil and Natural Gas data was reported at 437,770.700 Tonne in Feb 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 536,261.000 Tonne for Jan 2025. Germany Exports: Volume: Oil and Natural Gas data is updated monthly, averaging 1,253,244.800 Tonne from Jan 2008 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 206 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6,114,421.100 Tonne in Mar 2019 and a record low of 284,966.900 Tonne in Jul 2023. Germany Exports: Volume: Oil and Natural Gas data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistisches Bundesamt. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.JA003: Trade Statistics: Volume. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

Imports of volume - Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas in Italy decreased to 104872.93 KILOGRAM Million in 2023 from 110779.24 KILOGRAM Million in 2022. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Italy Imports of volume - Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas.

Russia Exports: Moldova: Volume: Natural Gas data was reported at 2.700 Cub m bn in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.000 Cub m bn for 2016. Russia Exports: Moldova: Volume: Natural Gas data is updated yearly, averaging 2.750 Cub m bn from Dec 1994 (Median) to 2017, with 24 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.400 Cub m bn in 1997 and a record low of 1.500 Cub m bn in 2005. Russia Exports: Moldova: Volume: Natural Gas data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Customs Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Foreign Trade – Table RU.JAB022: Trade by Product: Moldova.

The United States has the greatest LNG export capacity of any country worldwide. As of September 2024, U.S. terminals for liquefied natural gas exports had a combined capacity of 92.9 million metric tons per year. In 2023, the United States was the largest LNG exporting country, followed by Qatar and Australia. The U.S. took the top spot due to an increase in shipments to Europe in 2023. LNG trading on the rise Since 1970, the global LNG trade volume has increased by over 500 billion cubic meters. Countries in East Asia, such as Japan and China, have historically been among the main LNG importing countries. The future of LNG By cooling natural gas to -260 degrees Fahrenheit/-162 degrees Celsius, the volume is reduced by a factor of 600, guaranteeing easier transport and storage. Some industry groups have promoted LNG as aiding in decarbonization targets as natural gas has a lower carbon intensity than coal, although emission levels are still significant. LNG trading allows gas to be shipped to countries without pipeline infrastructure and thus diversifies the energy market. The United States is expected to add more than 300 million metric tons of annual LNG export capacity in the future.