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Hydrocarbon gas liquids explained Imports and exports of hydrocarbon gas liquids

U.S. exports of hydrocarbon gas liquids have increased substantially since 2007

In 2022, U.S. hydrocarbon gas liquids (HGL) exports increased from about 70,000 b/d in 2007 to about 2.4 million b/d. HGL exports accounted for 25% of total U.S. crude oil and petroleum product exports and 41% of total petroleum product exports (excluding crude oil). The high HGL exports were largely the result of annual U.S. HGL production exceeding demand. The higher HGL production was largely the result of increased wet natural gas production from shale and tight oil resources, which yield a high share of HGLs.

  • The approximate percentage shares of total U.S. HGL exports by type in 2022 were: 1
  • propane58%
  • ethane17%
  • normal butane17%
  • natural gasoline (pentanes plus)7%

Isobutane accounted for less than 1% of total U.S. HGL exports in 2022, most of which went to Mexico. Nearly all U.S. natural gasoline exports went to Canada in 2022, where it is used as a diluent (to reduce viscosity) for Canada's heavy crude oil so that it can be more easily moved in pipelines and railcars.

U.S. hydrocarbon gas liquids exports in 2022
Propane Ethane Normal butane Natural gasoline
Total annual exports (million barrels/day) 1.40 0.42 0.41 0.17
Number of destination countries 74 23 76 75
Top destinations and share of total Japan—27%
Mexico—11%
China—10%
South Korea—8%
The Netherlands—5% 		China—37%
India—18%
Canada—17%
United Kingdom—9%
Norway—8% 		Morocco—13%
Indonesia—9%
South Korea—9%
Japan—7%
Egypt—7% 		Canada—97%
Mexico—2%
South Korea—<1%
The Netherlands—<1%
India—<1%
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Annual, August 2023

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Most U.S. natural gasoline exports to Canada return to the United States in crude oil imports from Canada. Natural gasoline is added to Canada's heavy crude oil so that the crude oil will flow easier in pipelines and at rail terminals.

Imports of hydrocarbon gas liquids help meet seasonal and regional demand

The United States typically produces more HGLs than it uses on an annual basis. However, sometimes HGL imports are necessary to supply high, seasonal demand and to supply some regions of the country that don’t have enough from domestic sources. Certain HGLs, such as propylene, are imported when U.S. production can't meet total petrochemical demand. In 2022, total HGL imports (174,000 barrels per day [b/d]) accounted for about 8% of total U.S. petroleum product imports (does not include crude oil).

  • The approximate percentage shares of total U.S. HGL imports by type in 2022 were: 1
  • propane66%
  • normal butane21%
  • propylene7%
  • isobutane4%
  • normal butylene2%

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In 2022, 97% of U.S. HGL imports were from Canada. Most U.S. imports of propane and butanes come by rail from Canada into the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States. These imports are highly seasonal—two-thirds of imports occur in October through March. This demand cycle is driven by propane use as a heating fuel and by blending butane into gasoline when gasoline vapor pressure requirements allow its use in higher quantities, during colder months.

1 Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Annual, August 2023.

Last updated: December 26, 2023.