As part of its specialised report on the changes in the Arab and global LNG markets in 2025, the Energy Research Unit has published eighteen pieces since the beginning of 2026, backed by numerous graphics.

The report assesses the annual performance of the global LNG market, highlighting significant quarterly developments that influenced market trends. It notes the regional and global export activities, identifying the United States as the primary exporter, while also mentioning Canada and Mauritania as new entrants to the list of exporting countries for the first time.

Also, the research featured a list of the top LNG importers, led by China, which maintained its lead, with Bahrain and Senegal joining the importing group for the first time.

Global LNG Exports in 2025

2025 saw a 4% year-over-year growth in global LNG shipments to a new record high of 429 million tonnes. With exports surpassing 109 million tonnes for the first time in the history of the sector due to new projects coming online, the United States alone accounted for more than 25% of the worldwide total.

The United States increased its lead over Qatar and Australia, which finished second and third, respectively, with shipments of 81.07 million tonnes and 77.82 million tonnes.

Russia’s exports fell by 6% to 31.26 million tonnes, although it still held the fourth position in the world.

Qatar’s ascent to second place—beating Australia for the first time since 2022—and Oman’s replacement of Indonesia in seventh place were two of the most significant shifts.

In Africa, Nigeria remained the top exporter, ahead of Algeria, with shipments rising by 3.2% to 15.08 million tonnes.

Arab LNG Exports in 2025

Arab LNG shipments decreased by 0.5%, from 109.47 million tonnes in 2024 to 108.95 million tonnes in 2025. Algeria saw the biggest decrease, falling 18% to 9.54 million tonnes, the lowest amount in more than 20 years.

Additionally, exports from Oman and the UAE declined. Increased exports from Qatar and the first-ever inclusion of Mauritania on the list of exporters helped to partially offset this loss.

LNG Imports in 2025

Globally, LNG imports increased by 4% to 422 million tonnes, up from 406 million tonnes last year. China topped the list of largest imports, accounting for about 16% of the global total, surpassing Japan, which had held the top spot throughout the first half of the year.

At the regional level, Europe’s imports increased by 24%, exceeding 125 million tonnes for the first time.

Arab countries’ imports grew by 61%, reaching 17.68 million tonnes, up from 11.01 million tonnes in 2024. Egypt was the highest Arab importer, with a 220% increase to 9 million tonnes, followed by Kuwait, which imported 6.88 million tonnes.

Bahrain entered the list of importers in 2025, acquiring 0.64 million tonnes. Furthermore, Bahrain joined the list of importers this year, with 0.64 million tonnes imported.

Energy Research Unit

The Energy Research Unit, along with the Audiovisual Media Unit, the Proofreading Unit, and the Training and Lectures Unit, is one of four units within the specialised energy platform that was founded in Washington, D.C., in 2020.

In addition to yearly reports like the Annual Energy Markets Roundup, the unit releases quarterly reports, such as the Arab and Global LNG Market Update.

Further, it generates weekly and monthly reports that are backed up by charts and in-depth analysis, such as updates on U.S. oil stockpiles and drilling rigs and monthly reports on the oil market.