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US LNG exports drop in June due plant maintenance

According to preliminary data, LSEG, U.S. liquefied gas exports in June fell to the second-lowest monthly level of the year, due to maintenance work being done at the largest export facilities.

LSEG data revealed that the United States, which is the top LNG exporter in the world, sold 8,4 million metric tonnes of super-cooled gas during the past month. This was down from the 8.9 MT of May, and far below the record set by April of 9,3 MT.

The decrease in LNG exports is mainly due to maintenance at Cheniere’s Sabine Pass facility, which produces 4.5 billion cubic foot per day in Louisiana. It also includes its Corpus Christi plant, which produces 2.4 bcfd in Texas.

According to LSEG, Cameron LNG's plant in Louisiana, which produces 2.0 bcfd, also had maintenance. Freeport LNG, which produces 2.1 bcfd, experienced unplanned outages.

According to LSEG, maintenance at Cameron LNG and Sabine Pass LNG plants appeared to be complete by the end of the second week of June. The plants were producing close to their capacity.

EUROPE DOMINATES BUYERS

Data shows that the ongoing trade wars between the United States and Asia continue to affect the demand for LNG. The first half of this year saw a drop in LNG imports of 16 MT compared to 2024.

Gas prices in Asia were higher than in Europe in June. The Asian benchmark Japan Korea Marker rose to $12.90 from $11.83 per mmBtu in May. The European benchmark Title Transfer Facility, in the Netherlands rose from $11.68 to $12.38 in June.

LSEG data show that even with a slight arbitrage in favor of Asian exports, U.S. LNG producers only exported 5.53 MT (66%) to Europe in June. This was lower than the 6.05 MT (68%), which went to Europe during May.

LSEG data show that exports to Asia remained low in June, with only 1.56 MT (or 19%) of total exports going to Asia compared to 1.88 MT (21%) in May.

Due to the shorter shipping time from the Gulf Coast, LNG Canada Train 1, which is a 14 mtpa LNG plant, will likely compete with U.S. LNG Exports.

The US exports more LNG closer to home

The United States increased its exports of gas to Latin America, with 0.81 MT or 10 % of all cargoes. This was due to colder weather conditions in South America and difficulties in obtaining enough domestic gas in Argentina. LSEG data show that this is a significant increase from 0.66 MT, or just under 7% of all cargoes in May.

According to LSEG, Argentina bought 340,000 tons of LNG alone in June. The U.S. supplied a third of this, and Trinidad and Tobago provided 230,000 tons.

LSEG data shows that U.S. LNG exporteders continue to demonstrate versatility with exports to Egypt, South Africa and other countries in June.

In June, a number deals were announced between U.S. LNG producers and buyers in Asia. These could lead to even more LNG leaving U.S. port over the next five-year period and maintain the country's position as the largest LNG exporter in the world. Reporting by Curtis Williams, Houston; Editing and proofreading by Alison Williams & Mark Porter

(source: Reuters)