U.S. LNG Shipments to Asia Doubled in First Half of 2026

U.S. liquefied natural gas shipments to Asia doubled in the first half of 2026 from a year earlier as Strait of Hormuz disruptions tightened global supply and intensified competition for spot cargoes.

The disruptions cut roughly one-fifth of global LNG supply. Asian buyers have been competing for spot cargoes as supplies tighten.

Shale development has more than doubled U.S. natural gas production, leaving domestic supplies abundant. That production base has helped shield U.S. buyers from the supply pressures affecting overseas markets.

European gas storage was about 72% full, below the 90% average for 2022-25. With Middle Eastern LNG limited and competition growing for U.S. cargoes, Europe may need to pay more. A mild winter could help curb demand.