The U.S.' natural gas exports are estimated to continue rising in 2020 and 2021, according to data released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Thursday.
While the U.S.' liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports were around 3 billion cubic feet (85 million cubic meters) per day in 2018, this amount jumped to 5 billion cubic feet (142 million cubic meters) in 2019, the EIA said in a statement.
The administration said it expects LNG exports to continue growing and average 6.5 billion cubic feet (184 million cubic meters) per day in 2020 -- an approx. 30% increase from the 2019 level.
The EIA estimates that the U.S.' LNG exports will average 7.7 billion cubic feet (218 million cubic meters) per day in 2021 -- an estimated 18.5% increase from this year.
With rising LNG exports worldwide, the U.S.' natural gas exports are expected to exceed gas imports by an average of 7.3 billion cubic feet (206.7 million cubic meters) per day in 2020.
This amount is projected to be 8.9 billion cubic feet (252 million cubic meters) per day in 2020, according to the EIA.
Since the beginning of 2016, the U.S. has been a net LNG exporter. The country conducts trade in pipeline natural gas with Canada and Mexico, but trades LNG with more than 30 countries.
The U.S. imports more natural gas than it exports by pipeline from Canada, but is a net exporter of natural gas by pipeline to Mexico, according to the EIA.
By Ovunc Kutlu
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr