North American LNG Export Capacity Set to Surge

Strategic Insights -

As the United States and its neighbors gear up for a surge in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, plans are underway to more than double US liquefaction capacity by 2029, with a total of 13.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of new capacity added to existing 15.4 Bcf/d, making the US the largest LNG exporter in the world. Meanwhile, North America is expected to see a significant increase in LNG export capacity from 11.4 Bcf/d in 2024 to 28.7 Bcf/d by 2029, with Canada and Mexico contributing an additional 2.5 Bcf/d and 0.6 Bcf/d, respectively. This represents more than half of the expected global additions over the same period, according to the International Energy Agency.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US plans to more than double its liquefaction capacity by 2029, adding an estimated 13.9 Bcf/d of new capacity to its existing 15.4 Bcf/d, making it the largest LNG exporter in the world.
  • The increase in US liquefaction capacity will be concentrated around the Gulf Coast, with new pipeline projects built to transport natural gas from production areas.
  • However, pipeline construction delays remain a supply risk for new terminals.
  • Plaquemines LNG Phase 1 shipped its first cargo in December 2024, while Phase 2 and Corpus Christi Stage III began shipping cargoes earlier in 2025 but have not yet begun commercial operation.
  • Five additional LNG export projects in the US have reached final investment decision (FID) and are currently under construction.
  • LNG Canada, Canada's first LNG export terminal, shipped its first cargo from Train 1 in July 2024 and is expected to reach full capacity in 2026, with a proposed second phase doubling the export capacity to 3.68 Bcf/d.
  • Canada's new LNG capacity will be on the west coast of North America, reducing shipping times to Asian markets by 50% compared with exports from US Gulf Coast terminals.
  • Two other projects with a combined capacity of 0.7 Bcf/d are currently under construction in Western Canada.
  • Mexico's first LNG export cargo was produced in August 2024, with two projects currently under construction, the Fast LNG Altamira Floating LNG production vessel and Energía Costa Azul.

Statistics:

  • US liquefaction capacity expected to increase by 13.9 Bcf/d by 2029 (EIA Liquefaction Capacity File)
  • US Gulf Coast concentrated LNG export capacity expansion (Trade press reports)
  • New pipeline projects to transport natural gas from production areas to support increased LNG exports (Trade press reports)
  • Plaquemines LNG Phase 1 shipped its first cargo in December 2024 (Trade press reports)
  • LNG Canada's capacity: 1.84 Bcf/d (Canada Energy Regulator)
  • Proposed LNG Canada expansion capacity: 3.68 Bcf/d (Canada Energy Regulator)
  • LNG Canada expected to reach full capacity in 2026 (Canada Energy Regulator)
  • Canada's new LNG capacity reduction in shipping times to Asian markets: 50% (International Energy Agency)
  • Two LNG projects with a combined capacity of 0.7 Bcf/d under construction in Western Canada (Trade press reports)
  • Mexico's first LNG export cargo produced in August 2024 (Trade press reports)

Sources:

  • US Energy Information Administration (EIA) Liquefaction Capacity File
  • Trade press reports
  • International Energy Agency
  • Canada Energy Regulator (CER)
  • OGN/TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2025 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group