US LNG Exports Soar in March on Ramp up of Plaquemines Plant

The United States set a new record for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports in March, shipping out over 9 million metric tons (MT) of the superchilled fuel, according to early data from LSEG. This milestone reinforces the U.S. position as the world’s top LNG exporter. The surge aligns with efforts to boost energy exports, a priority highlighted by President Donald Trump’s focus on expanding American energy output.

Model of LNG tanker is seen in front of the U.S. flag in this illustration taken May 19, 2022.

In March, U.S. LNG exports reached 9.3 MT, surpassing the previous high of 8.6 MT from December 2023. This increase was driven by the ramp-up of Phase 1 at Venture Global Inc.’s Plaquemines LNG plant in Louisiana. The facility, with a capacity of 3.2 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd), hit a new peak on Tuesday, processing 2.136 billion cubic feet of gas—its highest level since starting production just over three months ago, per LSEG data. A report from Tudor Pickering Holt & Co noted: “The plant is producing at 140% of its design capacity,” contributing 0.82 MT, or 9%, to total U.S. exports last month.

Europe remained the primary destination, receiving 6.47 MT, or 70% of U.S. LNG exports in March, though this was slightly less than February’s 6.82 MT, which accounted for 82% of the total, according to LSEG. Gas prices dropped across both Europe and Asia compared to February. The decline was sharper in Europe, where the Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) benchmark fell to $13.21 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) from $15.28 in February. In Asia, the Japan Korea Marker (JKM) benchmark eased to $13.50 per mmBtu from $14.40, making Asia a more attractive market for U.S. LNG.

Exports to Asia rose significantly, reaching 1.64 MT, or 17% of total U.S. exports in March, up from 0.69 MT, or 8%, in February, LSEG data showed. Shipments to Latin America held steady at 0.55 MT, nearly unchanged from 0.56 MT in February. Meanwhile, sales to the Middle East climbed to 0.42 MT from 0.28 MT the previous month. An additional 0.22 MT was available for orders on Tuesday, with no set destination, per LSEG.

The Plaquemines plant’s strong performance underscores its role in boosting U.S. export capacity. As of April 01, 2025, this record-breaking month highlights the nation’s growing influence in the global LNG market, meeting demand across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East with efficient production and strategic distribution.