# Global liquefied natural gas market trends

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261108-global-liquefied-natural-gas-market-trends
> Updated: 2026-11-08T16:12:16.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

United States liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports reached their second-highest monthly level on record in October, driven by high natural gas prices and increased production to meet European demand. Ship-tracking data indicated that exports to Europe rose to 6.89 million metric tons in October, up from 5.91 million metric tons in September. During this period, regional movements included doubled output from the Golden Pass LNG plant in Texas and stable export levels to Asia.

Looking toward long-term projections, global LNG demand is expected to increase by approximately 60% by 2040. This growth is attributed to requirements for electricity generation, heating, cooling, industry, and transport. China and India are identified as primary drivers of this demand. To meet these needs, the United States is projected to potentially reach 180 million tonnes of annual exports by 2030, accounting for about one-third of the global supply.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-08: Global LNG demand projected to rise 60% by 2040

Shell's LNG Outlook 2025 predicts a 60% rise in global liquefied natural gas demand by 2040, led by China and India, with the US set to become the top exporter.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-lng-demand-projected-to-rise-60-by-2040

### 2026-11-01: US LNG exports reach second-highest monthly level on record

US LNG exports hit a near-record monthly high in October, driven by surging European demand and high natural gas prices as regions secure supplies for winter.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-lng-exports-reach-second-highest-monthly-level-on-record

---
Cite as: Global liquefied natural gas market trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261108-global-liquefied-natural-gas-market-trends