The July 2026 Natural Gas Imports and Exports Monthly Report details how American natural gas is moving across global markets. This blog summarizes how U.S. natural gas continues to bolster energy security, enhance reliability and support economic growth.
Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office
October 7, 2026
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Every 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.
July 2026 Highlights
- U.S. LNG reached 35 countries, reflecting strong global demand across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Asia and Europe were nearly tied as top regional importers of U.S. LNG, receiving 201.5 Bcf and 200.5 Bcf, respectively.
- Egypt was the largest single‑country importer in July, receiving 75.6 Bcf of U.S. LNG.
By the Numbers: July 2026
Exports of U.S. LNG totaled 827.2 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas and imports totaled 251.8 Bcf, resulting in 575.4 Bcf of net exports.
U.S. LNG Exports
In July 2026, U.S. LNG exports totaled 518.7 Bcf of natural gas as LNG, representing 62.7 percent of total U.S. natural gas exports. These shipments reached 35 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Regional distribution included:
- Asia: 201.5 Bcf (38.8 percent)
- Europe: 200.5 Bcf (38.7 percent)
- Africa: 77.6 Bcf (15.0 percent)
- Latin America and the Caribbean: 39.1 Bcf (7.5 percent)
Additional highlights:
- LNG exports decreased 0.4 percent from June 2026.
- LNG exports increased 18.7 percent from July 2025.
- 85.7 percent of LNG exports went to non‑free trade agreement (nFTA) countries.
- 14.3 percent went to free trade agreement (FTA) countries.
Top LNG Destinations for July 2026
U.S. LNG exports to the top five destination countries accounted for 51.1 percent of total LNG exports:
- Egypt: 75.6 Bcf (14.6 percent)
- Netherlands: 54.7 Bcf (10.5 percent)
- India: 47.0 Bcf (9.1 percent)
- Japan: 46.9 Bcf (9.0 percent)
- Italy: 40.9 Bcf (7.9 percent)
Pipeline and Truck Trade with Mexico for July 2026
Exports of natural gas via pipeline and truck to Mexico totaled 227.6 Bcf, while imports were 0.1 Bcf, resulting in 227.4 Bcf of net exports. This represented a 6.6 percent increase compared to July 2025.
Pipeline and Truck Trade with Canada for July 2026
Exports of natural gas via pipeline and truck to Canada totaled 80.9 Bcf, and imports were 251.3 Bcf, resulting in 170.5 Bcf of net imports. This represented a 12.0 percent decrease compared to July 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.
Interesting fact of the month:
In July 2026, Energia Costa Azul LNG Phase 1, the second LNG export facility in Mexico, shipped its first‑ever cargo of U.S.-sourced LNG to South Korea, expanding America’s reach into a key Asian market and deepening a longstanding energy partnership.
Explore the Full Report
The full July 2026 report and supporting data tables are available on the Department of Energy website:
Natural Gas Imports and Exports Monthly 2026 | Department of Energy