US LNG Exporters EQT & ConocoPhillips Poised to Benefit from Rising Global Demand

The US is a leading exporter of LNG, with demand growing globally to combat climate change. According to the EIA, US LNG exports will increase to 15 BCF/D in 2025 and 16 BCF/D in 2026. EQT Corporation and ConocoPhillips are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, with EQT securing 1 million tonnes of liquefaction capacity at Commonwealth LNG and ConocoPhillips purchasing 1 million tonnes of LNG from a new export terminal in Texas.

The United States is solidifying its position as a global leader in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, with significant growth projected in the coming years. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. LNG export capacity is expected to reach 15 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) by 2025 and 16 Bcf/d by 2026 U.S. Energy Exports as a Strategic Counterbalance to Russian-China Gas Ties^[1]. This expansion is driven by a combination of domestic gas price stability, robust international demand, and the urgent need for energy diversification, particularly in Europe.

Companies like EQT Corporation and ConocoPhillips are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. EQT Corporation has secured 1 million tonnes of liquefaction capacity at the Commonwealth LNG project, while ConocoPhillips has agreed to purchase 1 million tonnes of LNG from a new export terminal in Texas. These strategic moves underscore the growing importance of U.S. LNG in the global energy market.

However, the U.S. faces several challenges in its LNG expansion. Construction delays, regulatory hurdles, and geopolitical tensions could disrupt project timelines and market access. Despite these challenges, the long-term growth potential of U.S. LNG producers remains promising, particularly as China continues to decarbonize and transition from coal to gas.

The U.S. is uniquely positioned to leverage its LNG capacity to counter Russian influence in Asia. Russia’s Power of Siberia 1 pipeline, operational since December 2024, has become a critical conduit for gas exports to China. However, the stalled Power of Siberia 2 pipeline leaves a gap in Russia’s ability to fully exploit its gas reserves. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has downplayed concerns about Russian gas sales to China harming U.S. producers, emphasizing that American LNG remains a preferred alternative for diversifying energy portfolios .

China’s LNG imports have declined by 20% in H1 2025, driven by reduced domestic demand, increased piped gas from Russia, and higher domestic production . However, projections indicate that China will remain a key growth driver for LNG demand, with decarbonization policies and coal-to-gas transitions expected to boost imports by 8.1% year-on-year in 2024 . The Asia-Pacific region is forecasted to account for over 81% of global LNG market revenue in 2024, highlighting its strategic importance .

The U.S. LNG boom represents both an opportunity and a challenge. While it strengthens energy security for allies and diversifies global markets, it must compete with entrenched Russian-China ties and evolving demand patterns in Asia. For investors, the key lies in balancing the long-term growth potential of U.S. LNG producers with the volatility of geopolitical and regulatory landscapes.

References:
U.S. Energy Exports as a Strategic Counterbalance to Russian-China Gas Ties^[1] U.S. hydrocarbon production supported by export growth in ... [https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=65724]
Gulf Coast LNG project’s Train 5 closer to FID as ConocoPhillips signs up for 20-year offtake^[2] Venture Global Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results [https://investors.ventureglobal.com/news/news-details/2025/Venture-Global-Reports-Second-Quarter-2025-Results/default.aspx]
Russia's natural gas and coal exports have been ... [https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=66044]
China's LNG imports plummeted by 20% in H1 2025 [https://globallnghub.com/chinas-lng-imports-plummeted-by-20-in-h1-2025.html]
Global Gas and LNG Outlook [https://about.bnef.com/insights/commodities/global-gas-and-lng-outlook/]