U.S. energy facts explained  

The United States has been an annual net total energy exporter since 2019

Up to the early 1950s, the United States produced most of the energy it consumed.¹ Energy consumption was higher than energy production in every year from 1958–2018. When domestic energy production can’t meet the demand, the U.S. imports energy, particularly crude oil and petroleum products such as motor gasoline and distillate fuel oil. Total energy imports (based on heat content) peaked in 2007 and has declined nearly every year since then. Increased U.S. crude oil and natural gas production reduced the need for crude oil and natural gas imports and also contributed to increased crude oil and natural gas exports. The United States has been a net total energy exporter—total energy exports have been higher than total energy imports—since 2019.

Total U.S. energy exports have been at record highs

On an energy content basis, although U.S. total energy imports increased slightly in 2024, U.S. total energy exports were the highest on record—at about 30.92 quadrillion British thermal units (quads)—and increased by about 4% from 2023. Total energy exports exceeded total energy imports by about 9.26 quads, the largest annual margin on record.

Fossil fuel imports and exports vary by fuel type

Crude oil and petroleum products

U.S. crude oil imports and exports both increased in 2024, and the United States remained a net crude oil importer. Crude oil accounted for the largest percentage share of U.S. total energy imports—67%—and for about 28% of total energy exports. Some imported crude oil is refined into petroleum products that are exported.

In 2024, imports of petroleum products (such as gasoline and distillates) accounted for about 16% of total annual U.S. energy imports and for about 37% of total energy exports. Total petroleum product imports were 11% lower and exports were 8% higher than in 2023, and net imports were the lowest on record in 2024.

Natural gas

U.S. natural gas exports reached a record high in 2024 and were equal to about 25% of total U.S. energy exports on an energy content basis. Natural gas exports have increased in nearly every year since 2014. As a result, the United States became a net exporter of natural gas in 2017 for the first time since the late 1950s and had the second-lowest natural gas net imports on record in 2024. Increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, especially to Europe, contributed to about a 1% increase in total U.S. natural gas exports in 2024. Natural gas imports increased by about 7% from 2023 to 2024 and equaled about 15% of total U.S. energy imports.

Coal

The United States has been a net coal exporter since at least 1949. In 2024, annual U.S. coal exports increased by about 8% and equaled about 8% of total energy exports. U.S. coal imports decreased by about 47% and accounted for less than 1% of total U.S. energy imports.