United States LNG exports further increased in 2022 (+9%), benefiting from the European market divesting from Russian gas, and the concomitant commissioning of new liquefaction plants.

The EU LNG trade balance boomed (+62%) as the EU increased and diversified its LNG imports (doubling in France and the Netherlands, rising by over 40% in Spain and Poland) to counterbalance its reduced Russian gas supply, and opened new liquefaction plants (Netherlands). Russia LNG trade balance remained strong (+8%). For the first time since 2015, Asian LNG net imports decreased (-8.7%), driven by the 20% fall in Chinese imports (weakening in the local demand) and the 14% drop in Indian LNG imports (high LNG prices in Asia). The US reinforced their net exports (+8.5%), confirming their position as a global top LNG exporter thanks to the commissioning of new liquefaction plants, combined with the readjustment of European LNG import sources. Australian net exports continue to grow (+7.5%), the country thus remaining 2nd largest LNG net exporter.