The monthly Natural Gas Imports and Exports Monthly Report details how American natural gas is moving across global markets.
Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office
July 6, 2026Every month, the U.S. Department of Energy publishes the Natural Gas Imports and Exports Monthly Report, detailing how American natural gas is moving across global markets. This summary highlights how U.S. natural gas, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), continues to bolster energy security, enhance reliability, and support economic growth at home and abroad.
By the Numbers: April 2026
The United States exported 807.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas and imported 223.1 billion cubic feet. This resulted in 584.4 billion cubic feet of net exports.
U.S. LNG Exports
The United States exported 537.9 billion cubic feet (Bcf) or 17.9 Bcf/d of natural gas as liquefied natural gas in April 2026. This amount represented 66.6 percent of total U.S. natural gas exports. These U.S. LNG exports reached 35 countries across multiple regions including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Regional distribution included:
- Europe: 293.7 billion cubic feet (54.6 percent)
- Asia: 163.1 billion cubic feet (30.3 percent)
- Africa: 57.9 billion cubic feet (10.8 percent)
- Latin America and the Caribbean: 23.3 billion cubic feet (4.3 percent)
Additional highlights:
- In April 2026, U.S. LNG exports decreased 6.2 percent from the all-time high reached in March 2026, 18.5 Bcf/d.
- LNG exports increased 20 percent from April 2025
- 90.6 percent of LNG exports went to non-free trade agreement (NFTA) countries
- 9.4 percent went to free trade agreement (FTA) countries
Top LNG Destinations
U.S. LNG exports to the top five destination countries accounted for 46.4 percent of total LNG exports. These destinations included:
- Egypt: 57.0 billion cubic feet (10.6 percent)
- Netherlands: 54.1 billion cubic feet (10.0 percent)
- Italy: 52.3 billion cubic feet (9.7 percent)
- France: 46.5 billion cubic feet (8.7 percent)
- India: 39.9 billion cubic feet (7.4 percent)
Pipeline and Truck Trade with Mexico
The United States exported 194.2 billion cubic feet of natural gas to Mexico and imported less than 0.1 billion cubic feet from Mexico, resulting in 194.2 billion cubic feet of net exports. This marked a 1.3 percent decrease compared to March 2026 and a 3 percent decrease compared to April 2025.
Pipeline and Truck Trade with Canada
The United States exported 75.4 billion cubic feet of natural gas to Canada and imported 222.9 billion cubic feet, resulting in 147.5 billion cubic feet of net imports. This reflected a 16.7 percent increase compared to March 2026 and an 11.8 percent decrease compared to April 2025.
Why This Matters
U.S. LNG provides flexible and reliable energy supplies that help international partners manage supply disruptions and variable market conditions. Continued expansion of U.S. LNG export capacity supports global energy systems and strengthens the U.S. economy through investment and employment.
Explore the Full Report
The full April 2026 report and supporting data tables are available on the Department of Energy website: Natural Gas Imports and Exports Monthly 2026.