US Liquefied Natural Gas Poised to Become Nation's Second-Largest Export

The analysis projects that U.S. feedgas demand for LNG exports will climb to 36 billion cubic feet per day by 2031, a 25% increase over previous forecasts. This surge, fueled by a wave of new investment following the 2025 policy shift, is expected to support 555,000 jobs annually and contribute $1.4 trillion to the national GDP through 2040. Crucially, these gains are distributed widely, with 42% of the sector's employment growth occurring in regions that do not produce natural gas.

S&P Global Energy Vice Chairman Daniel Yergin noted that the industry has evolved from a $44 billion annual enterprise into a cornerstone of the U.S. economy. Despite the rapid expansion, the impact on domestic energy costs remains minimal. The study estimates that household gas prices will rise by only 1.6% between 2026 and 2031, keeping American energy costs among the lowest globally. Experts attribute this stability to the nation's vast resource base and a highly interconnected 300,000-mile pipeline network that acts as a shock absorber during periods of high demand.

Beyond domestic gains, the study highlights the geopolitical weight of U.S. exports. If current capacity growth were curtailed, global markets would face significant tightening, potentially forcing prices 50% higher across Asia and Europe. In such a scenario, the primary beneficiary would be Russia, which maintains significant underutilized infrastructure capable of filling the supply void. By maintaining its export trajectory, the U.S. not only secures its own economic growth but also provides a critical buffer for global energy security.