Global LNG imports 2023, by country

China imports more liquefied natural gas (LNG) than any other country in the world. In 2023, China purchased some 97.8 billion cubic meters worth of LNG. 

Natural gas and LNG

Liquefied natural gas is natural gas that has been turned into liquid state so that it can be transported and stored more easily and cost-effectively. Natural gas is mainly comprised of methane with a little bit of ethane. As a non-toxic gas, it is also odorless and colorless. Natural gas is turned into a liquid by decreasing the temperature of the gas to -160 degrees Celsius (-260 degrees Fahrenheit).

Global LNG trade

Since 1970, LNG trade has been increasing in almost every year. In 2022, the global trade volume of LNG was 542 billion cubic meters, an increase from the previous year. The United States has become the world's major exporter of LNG, at roughly 114.4 billion cubic meters sold and was closely followed by Qatar. Due to the remote location of both countries, i.e. their relative distance to large consumer markets, liquefying gas is their only means of selling natural gas on a large scale.