U.S. LNG Exports Hit New High in First Half of 2021

U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports hit record highs in the first half of 2021 as new capacity ramped to meet growing global demand.

LNG exports averaged 9.6 Bcf/d in the first six months of the year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That is a stark contrast to last year when demand cratered amid the Covid-19 pandemic, leading some global customers to cancel U.S. cargoes. 

According to EIA, first half 2021 exports climbed 42%, or 2.8 Bcf/d, compared with last year. That is more than the amount of new capacity that was added last year. 

EIA noted that the final liquefaction units were commissioned at Corpus Christi LNG and Freeport LNG in Texas and Cameron LNG in Louisiana. In addition, the remaining small-scale units were placed into service at