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Who is the No. 1 natural gas exporting country in the world in 2024?
The United States held the top spot in 2024, according to the International Gas Union (IGU), exporting 88.4 MTs (MT) of natural gas. Overall, 411.2 million tonnes (MT) was traded globally, with 9.8 MT more than in 2023, driven by expanded liquefaction capacity and increased output from key country producers like the U.S., Russia, Indonesia, and Australia, despite weak demand witnessed at the end of 2024.
Natural Gas Global Exports Overview
Natural gas plays a crucial role in maintaining global energy stability. As the world shifts toward more sustainable energy, natural gas remains vital to the transition. It serves as a “bridge fuel” due to its lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to coal and oil.
In this article, we’ll explore the world’s largest natural gas exporting countries, the economic and environmental significance of natural gas exports, and opportunities and challenges that will shape their future.
How natural gas fuels the shift to clean energy
Natural gas plays a key role as the “bridge fuel” in the worldwide shift towards more sustainable energy sources. Compared to coal and oil, natural gas combustion produces significantly less CO2 and pollutants like sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. It also burns more efficiently, especially in combined cycle turbines, reaching efficiency levels above 60%. Replacing coal-fired power plants with natural gas plants can reduce emissions by more than 50% per unit of electricity, which indicates the biggest near-term opportunity for emissions reduction globally.
In addition, using natural gas ensures the flexibility and stability of energy grids. Natural gas power plants can quickly ramp up or down electricity generation, which makes up for fluctuations from intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind. Besides, existing natural gas infrastructure (storage, transport, distribution) can facilitate the use of renewable gaseous fuels like biogas. As a result, they assist in the transition to fully renewable energy systems in the future.
2024 Top 10 Natural Gas Exporters Driving the Energy Transition
Top 1 Natural Gas Exporter - The U.S. (88.4 MT)
With a large variety of export destinations from Europe (The U.K., France) to Asia (China, Japan, and India), the U.S. has established itself as a major player in the global energy landscape.
In 2024, the U.S. was the world’s largest natural gas exporter, with an enormous volume of 88.4 MT. A key factor behind this success is its robust infrastructure, including major natural gas export terminals such as Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi, which streamline processes and shipments.
With ongoing expansions at these facilities and a wide range of export destinations (including the U.K., France, China, Japan, and India), the U.S. is firmly standing as a key energy supplier on the global stage.
The U.S. built not just for volume, but for flexibility, speed, and reach. This infrastructure advantage is what enables the U.S. to serve multiple continents and respond to shifting market needs faster than many of its competitors.
With eight active LNG terminals and export capacity expected to grow by 50% by 2027, this flexibility is a strong signal that trade flows may start to change in meaningful ways.
For traders and buyers, this could lead to several possibilities. They might begin looking at new shipping services that offer faster or more direct delivery routes. Importers who didn’t rely on U.S. gas before may start entering the picture as supply becomes more available. And shipping lanes that were once secondary could become more active, especially as demand shifts toward certain regions.
These aren’t guaranteed outcomes, but they are realistic scenarios based on where the data is pointing. When one of the world’s biggest exporters becomes more responsive and wide-reaching, it tends to create new movement across the trade network.
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With a large variety of export destinations from Europe (The U.K., France) to Asia (China, Japan, and India), the U.S. has established itself as a major player in the global energy landscape.
In 2024, the U.S. was the world’s largest natural gas exporter, with an enormous volume of 88.4 MT. A key factor behind this success is its robust infrastructure, including major natural gas export terminals such as Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi, which streamline processes and shipments.
With ongoing expansions at these facilities and a wide range of export destinations (including the U.K., France, China, Japan, and India), the U.S. is firmly standing as a key energy supplier on the global stage.
The U.S. built not just for volume, but for flexibility, speed, and reach. This infrastructure advantage is what enables the U.S. to serve multiple continents and respond to shifting market needs faster than many of its competitors.
| Export Metrics | 2024 Updates |
|---|---|
| Export Volume | 88.4 million tonnes (MT) |
| Share of Global LNG | Represents “more than 20%” (~21%) of the world’s LNG exports (411.2 MT total) |
| Daily Export Rate | Averaged 11.9 Bcf/d in 2024, topping all other exporters |
| Infrastructure Pipeline | 20 U.S. export terminals approved; 8 under construction; capacity expected to grow nearly 50% by 2027 |
| New Terminals | In 2024, Plaquemines LNG (Phase 1) commenced operations, becoming the 8th active terminal |
| Export Destination | Over 53% of exports to Europe, 33% to Asia, remainder to Latin America, Middle East & Africa |
Data Source:
Energy Terminal
Top 2 Natural Gas Exporter - Australia (81 MT)
Green Hydrogen: Government-Backed Transition Fuel
Australia, with its vast natural gas reserves and expanding capacity, exported approximately 81.4 million tonnes (MT) of natural gas in 2024, a notable 1.48 MT increase from the previous year. It is a key exporter to Asia-Pacific markets like Japan (25 MT), China (26 MT), South Korea (11 MT), and Malaysia (2.6 MT). Australia’s natural gas industry thrives thanks to major projects like North West Shelf, Gorgon, and Wheatstone.
In addition, the country is also leveraging its natural gas resources as a transitional fuel to develop renewable energy sources and foster green hydrogen production. It is actively contributing to a future of sustainable energy while also maintaining its position as a critical natural gas exporting country.
| Country | Trade Flow | Trade Value (1,000 USD) | Quantity (KG) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Import | 15,965,166.05 | 25,139,800,000 |
| China | Import | 14,970,645.54 | 26,181,900,000 |
| South Korea | Import | 7,158,334.87 | 11,402,100,000 |
| Malaysia | Import | 1,814,380.47 | 2,589,140,000 |
| Thailand | Import | 1,144,112.19 | 1,989,890,000 |
| Philippines | Import | 298,758.56 | 467,858,000 |
| Hong Kong, China | Import | 70,492.73 | 139,762,000 |
| India | Import | 61,591.09 | 122,867,000 |
| United Kingdom | Import | 5,659.70 | 9,197,530 |
| El Salvador | Import | 4,973.83 | 9,245,130 |
Source: World Bank WITS
Australia is actively positioning natural gas as a transitional pathway toward renewables and green hydrogen. The National Hydrogen Strategy 2024 mandates key government interventions:
- A $2/kg tax credit for renewable hydrogen (2027–2040)
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The Hydrogen Headstart Program ($4 billion) to incentivize large-scale projects
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Regional hydrogen hub funding exceeding $500 million
Notable projects include:
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Murchison Green Hydrogen Project (WA): awarded A$814 million, planned annual production of 900,000 t green ammonia
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The first commercial green hydrogen refuelling station in Geelong, launched in June 2025
“This is a really significant step and actually, I think, a very memorable day in Australia’s renewable energy story, but very much in Australia’s hydrogen story,” said Richard Marles, the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia.
What Comes Next: Strategic Outlook
1. Green Hydrogen Production & Distribution
Australia’s inaugural green hydrogen servo in Geelong demonstrates that large-scale green hydrogen production and refueling is now a practical reality. Backed by renewable energy and recycled water, this facility can dispense at least 300 kg of green hydrogen every two hours, enough to refuel up to 10 heavy trucks simultaneously. This sets a powerful precedent for replicating such hubs nationwide, particularly along major freight routes linking Melbourne–Sydney–Brisbane.
2. Heavy Transport Decarbonization
By focusing on commercial and long-haul fleets, the station targets industries that traditional electric vehicles struggle to serve—namely freight, waste management, and public transport. Fleet partners like Toll Group, CDC, Cleanaway, and Barwon Water are already onboard, demonstrating hydrogen’s strong potential to reduce emissions in hard-to-decarbonize sectors.
3. Green Ammonia & Broader Supply Potential
With the establishment of electrolyzer infrastructure, extending production to green ammonia becomes feasible. Ammonia, which uses hydrogen for its production, is easier to store and transport, making it ideal for export and agricultural uses. The station’s ability to produce 1,000 kg of renewable hydrogen daily from a 2–2.5 MW electrolyzer signals a strategic expansion path toward green ammonia exports.
4. Integration with EV Charging & Renewable Energy
The project’s hybrid energy model—co-locating green hydrogen refueling with 350 kW fast EV charging, powered by renewable electricity and recycled water—shows a shift toward integrated energy hubs. The mention of a future 15–25 MW solar farm nearby reinforces its multifunctional, clean-energy infrastructure credentials.
🔍 Want to stay ahead of the natural gas sector and uncover current supply chain trends in green hydrogen, ammonia, and beyond?
Top 3 Natural Gas Exporter - Qatar (77.2 MT)
In 2024, Qatar exported 77.2 MT of natural gas. While this figure marked a slight decline of 0.99 MT compared to 2023, it accounted for nearly one-fifth of global exports, making Qatar the third-largest natural gas exporter.
It is an essential energy supplier for many Asian countries, such as Japan, South Korea, India, and China. Furthermore, Qatar is actively investing in sustainability-driven initiatives, such as blue hydrogen projects, with a view to reducing the carbon footprint of its natural gas production.
Top 4 Natural Gas Exporter - Russia (33.5 MT)
In 2024, Russia’s natural gas export reached a record high of 33.5 MT of natural gas, marking a 4% increase from the previous year.
A large share of this went to Europe, which remains Russia’s largest buyer, accounting for around 52% of the total exports (approximately 17.4 MT). France, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands were among the major importers. Even though EU sanctions have introduced bans on natural gas transshipment through EU ports, these sanctions haven’t had an immediate impact. This is mainly due to existing contracts and Russia’s ability to use alternative routes, keeping the flow steady despite current political tensions.
Additionally, Asia made up 45% of Russia’s natural gas exports in 2024, with China and Japan standing out as the biggest buyers. However, this share slightly dipped compared to the previous year, reflecting some shifts in global demand patterns.
Regarding its transition to cleaner energy, Russia is having significant difficulties. The ongoing sanctions limit its access to the technology, network, and financial support needed for high-tech clean energy projects. Furthermore, its domestic priorities focus more on maintaining fossil fuel revenues and geopolitical influence than clean energy transition. As a result, the country is struggling to keep pace with global energy trends and the shift towards sustainability.
Top 5 Natural Gas Exporter - Malaysia (27.7 MT)
Apart from palm oil, Malaysia is also a major exporter of natural gas. It represented about 6.7% of the global export volume, reaching approximately 28 MT, and saw a slight increase in revenue to about $13.9 billion.
The majority of Malaysia’s natural gas exports went to key markets in Asia, such as Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan. It is planning to boost its annual production capacity to 40 MT by 2025, thus expanding its growth opportunities in this sector.
In addition to increasing its natural gas output, Malaysia is committed to using natural gas as a bridge fuel to transition to more sustainable energy sources. The country is investing in cleaner technologies and fostering regional cooperation to support Asia’s growing demand for renewable energy. This approach positions Malaysia as a forward-thinking player in the APAC region’s energy transition. with global energy trends but also positions Malaysia as a forward-thinking player in the energy transition.
Top 6 Natural Gas Exporter - Indonesia (17.6 MT)
Indonesia’s 2024 export volume saw a slight increase from the previous year of approximately 15.6 MT, thanks to its plan to boost natural gas production. Two-thirds of the overall production was allocated to exports. The biggest importers of Indonesia’s natural gas were Singapore (about 3.7 MT) and China (3.4 MT).
The Indonesian government plans to double the amount of electricity generated from natural gas by 2040, leveraging gas to replace coal and facilitate the integration of renewables, which is expected to address 66% of the country by 2050. However, despite having ambitious goals, the country struggled with infrastructure gaps, investment barriers, and existing reliance on fossil fuels due to the intermittency of renewables like solar and wind.
Top 7 Natural Gas Exporter - Nigeria (13.8 MT)
After the 13% drop seen in the 2022-2023 period, Nigeria’s 2024 natural gas export bounced back to 13.8 MT. The country’s natural gas production and exports have been facing several prominent challenges.
First, rising pipeline vandalism, sabotage, and theft in the Niger Delta region have significantly disrupted gas production and supply to natural gas export facilities. At major ports like Tin Can and Apapa, there have been reports of ongoing procedural delays, including extended container transfer times, reduced vessel calls, and other inefficiencies. Furthermore, much of Nigeria’s pipeline network is aging or damaged.
Meanwhile, projects aimed at expanding natural gas capacity, such as the Train 7 expansion at Bonny Island, face delays and high costs. In addition, Nigeria is under pressure to reduce gas flaring and emissions, which complicates upstream production and export operations.
The updated Energy Transition Plan (2024) of the Nigerian government aims to realize net-zero emissions by 2060. To achieve this goal, natural gas serves as a greener alternative to oil and coal that can fuel industrialization and fulfill power needs without relying on diesel generators. Therefore, it is expected to replace higher-emission power sources while the country scales up renewables.
Top 8 Natural Gas Exporter - Algeria (11.6 MT)
The 8th largest natural gas exporting country saw a 13% decline in volume compared to 2023’s figure (about 13.23 MT). This drop is mainly due to weaker demand and maintenance work, which mostly affected pipeline exports to Europe. In 2025 and 2026, however, experts projected a near-term export rebound thanks to boosted gas production at Algeria’s Hassi R’Mel gas field and other gas field developments.
Algeria also promotes natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil. It is considered a key fuel for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting renewable energy integration. The government is also involved in initiatives to develop carbon capture and storage (CCS) and explore hydrogen technologies, which aligns with global clean energy trends
Algeria’s natural gas exports have benefited from increased European demand following the sanctions on Russia. Nonetheless, there was a slight decline in export volume in 2024 compared to its 2023 figure (11.43 MT), mainly due to the transition to clean energy sources and the seasonal downturn in demand during summer months. Its major buyers are mostly located in Asia, including South Korea, China, Japan, India, Thailand, and Taiwan. In addition, Oman is looking to diversify its export markets to other continents. For example, it recently secured contracts to provide 0.4 MT of natural gas per year to Germany, which will start in 2026.
Top 9 Natural Gas Exporter - Oman (11.3 MT)
Oman’s strategy involves both maintaining strong natural gas export volumes and developing clean energy technologies. Therefore, the country is looking to expand the role of natural gas as a transitional fuel. For example, Oman has invested heavily in green hydrogen and ammonia projects. It committed around $2 billion in 2024 to develop facilities like Hyport Duqm and the Salalah Green Hydrogen Project. These facilities leveraged existing natural gas infrastructure to integrate renewables and hydrogen.
Top 10 Natural Gas Exporter - Trinidad and Tobago (9 MT)
Trinidad and Tobago is the last name among the top 10 natural gas exporting countries. It recorded large shipments in 2024 to markets like the United States, the Netherlands, Turkey, Chile, and El Salvador.
One note-worthy characteristic of this country’s natural gas export activity is its flexible pricing model. Introduced in 2018, this model takes into account prices from other markets such as Europe and Asia, instead of solely relying on the U.S.’s standard American Henry Hub price index. It helped the country keep export prices from 15%-55% higher per shipment compared to the U.S.-based one. As a result, despite occasional dips in export volumes, Trinidad and Tobago managed to keep its natural gas export revenue high. In addition, it is investing in large-scale gas exploration projects, including those led by Shell and BP, to strengthen its share in the global market.
Besides, the government of Trinidad and Tobago has been actively promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency, which are the key components of the country’s sustainable development strategy. Prominent initiatives include:
- The National Energy Policy Green Paper – a national energy policy that advocates for renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Fiscal support mechanisms (such as tax credits and import duty exemptions) to encourage the adoption of renewable energy
- Renewable energy installations in public buildings such as hospitals, schools, and medical clinics
- Strategic installations of renewable energy projects in community centers, which serve as demonstration centers, promoting education and awareness about renewable energy while strengthening local knowledge.
What awaits the world's biggest natural gas exporting countries?
In the coming time, the global energy field continues to evolve and present businesses and stakeholders with new opportunities and challenges.
Challenges
Despite these opportunities, there are several challenges and uncertainties that the largest natural gas exporting countries must learn to navigate.
- Low prices and delays in the new supply
The arrival of new LNG capacity could lead to a surge in demand, but geopolitical tensions, trade policies, inflation, and labor shortages are also causing delays and cost overruns in supply projects. For example, Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 has been heavily impacted by sanctions, delaying production and sales. In Senegal and Mauritania, projects like Greater Tortue Ahmeyim FLNG have also faced delays.
- Trade policies
With trade policies remaining volatile as the US continues to impose tariffs, this could largely slow global LNG demand.
- Shipping line-linked disruptions
LNG trade is vulnerable to disruptions at maritime chokepoints, such as the Suez Canal, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Panama Canal. Geopolitical tensions or weather conditions can cause rerouting and higher shipping costs, affecting global LNG prices and supply.
- Methane emissions regulations
The growing focus on methane emissions regulations is creating additional uncertainty in the LNG market. The European Union has implemented stricter rules on methane emissions, which could have significant financial implications for LNG producers and importers who fail to comply. In addition, major LNG-importing countries like Japan and South Korea are pushing for greater transparency regarding methane emissions as part of their commitment to reducing greenhouse gases.
On the other hand, the U.S. is rolling back some of its methane regulations, which further complicates the global landscape, as companies must navigate the differences in policies across countries. These regulatory shifts could disrupt the flow of LNG trade and impact the costs associated with producing and transporting LNG.
Opportunities
One of the key opportunities is low-emission natural gas projects. They help major exporting countries ensure natural gas remains in steady demand while still complying with global decarbonization goals. Meanwhile, the growing popularity of floating natural gas facilities enables potentially faster and more cost-effective processing and storage compared to traditional onshore ones. They also reduce the environmental impacts of these activities. Therefore, this can be an ideal option for regions with limited infrastructure.
Regarding markets, some countries that used to be net exporters of natural gas, such as Brazil, Colombia, Congo, and Egypt, are now also becoming importers to address domestic uses. This trend opens up new opportunities to explore new trade partnerships globally.
Notably, the rapidly growing number of data centers presents another space for growth. These facilities require constant and reliable power, which can be addressed with gas-powered plants due to their quick construction time and stable performance.
Key takeaways
The world’s top 10 natural gas exporting countries are poised to benefit from opportunities like cleaner energy projects, floating LNG facilities, and new market expansions. However, they must also deal with various challenges, namely geopolitical risks, regulatory changes, and price fluctuations. Therefore, their ability to adapt and innovate will determine their position in the evolving energy landscape.
Conclusion
The demand for natural gas is expected to remain strong. However, the future of the energy sector will likely be shaped by the growing need for cleaner, more sustainable, and environmentally responsible energy sources. As a result, leading natural gas exporters must focus on adopting clean energy solutions and sustainable practices to align with these evolving demands.
TradeInt is a powerful tool to help businesses and organizations navigate the evolving natural gas landscape. By offering comprehensive and updated insights through highly accurate trade dashboards and reports, TradeInt enables users to:
- Effectively track market trends
- Monitor trade trends and shifts
- Identify emerging opportunities
TradeInt enables fast and data-driven decisions, thus allowing businesses to stay ahead of industry disruptions and remain competitive in a dynamic market.
