Summary
Natural gas net imports fell to 935 Bcf in 2015. This decline in net imports continues a trend that began in 2007, when net imports of natural gas exceeded 3,785 Bcf. Net imports of natural gas declined because of increases in domestic natural gas production over that period. Preliminary data show a 5% increase in 2015 for domestic dry natural gas production to 27,096 billion cubic feet (Bcf), a record level for the United States. Although both U.S. natural gas consumption and production have increased in recent years, natural gas production has grown slightly faster. Increasing domestic production of natural gas has kept U.S. natural gas prices relatively low.
| five-year (2010-14) average | 2014 | 2015 | 2015 vs. five-year (2010-14) average | 2015 vs. 2014 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imports (Bcf) | |||||
| Pipeline | 2,963.0 | 2,635.8 | 2,626.5 | -11% | 0% |
| LNG | 136.0 | 59.3 | 91.5 | -33% | 54% |
| CNG | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | -4% | -4% |
| Total | 2,437.8 | 2,695.4 | 2,718.3 | 12% | 1% |
| Exports | |||||
| Pipeline | 1,433.1 | 1,497.8 | 1,754.9 | 22% | 17% |
| LNG | 36.5 | 16.3 | 28.4 | -22% | 75% |
| LNG re-exports | 1.8 | 2.7 | 11.6 | 547% | 336% |
| CNG | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 223% | -1% |
| Total | 1,469.6 | 1,514.2 | 1,783.5 | 21% | 18% |
| Net | 968.2 | 1,181.1 | 934.8 | -3% | -21% |
The natural gas imports/exports market continues to undergo changes:
- Natural gas exports from the United States grew 18% in 2015 to 1,784 Bcf, mostly as a result of increased natural gas exports to Mexico. Natural gas exports to Canada increased slightly in 2015 to 701 Bcf.
- The United States also exported LNG and compressed natural gas to several countries, but these volumes were relatively small in 2015.
- Natural gas imports to the United States increased slightly to 2,718 Bcf in 2015, driven by increased LNG imports from Norway and Trinidad.
- Natural gas imports—97% of which arrive via pipeline from Canada—have decreased almost every year since 2007. In 2015, natural gas imports were the lowest level (2,626 Bcf) since 1994. Natural gas imports from Mexico were minimal in 2015.
NOTE: Data as of February 2016 from April 2016 Natural Gas Monthly
See also: Natural Gas Imports and Exports - Quarterly Reports (Office of Fossil Energy, U.S. Department of Energy's Natural Gas Regulatory Program)