January 11, 2024

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Global LNG trade reached a new record of over 400 mtpa (53 Bcf/d) in 2022 with El Salvador (0.2 mtpa) and Germany (0.07 mtpa) joining the ranks.

In total, there are now 46 countries importing LNG worldwide.

The top 7 countries accounted for almost 70% of total LNG import volumes in 2022.

The Russia/Ukraine conflict and global energy crisis changed LNG import patterns during 2022:

1. France moved from 7th place to 4th in 2022 after importing 25 mtpa, up 109% from 2021
2. Spain ranked 5th largest importer with over 20 mtpa (+7.3 mtpa)
3. Taiwan imported 20 mtpa (+0.5 mtpa).
4. China’s imports dropped from 80 mtpa in 2021 to 65 mtpa in 2022 replaced by increased coal-fired power generation.
5. India imported 19 mtpa last year, a 4 mtpa drop from 2021, replaced by increased coa-fired power generation.
6. South Korea imported over 45 mtpa, relatively flat to 2021.
7. Japan was the world’s largest LNG importer at almost 75 mtpa.