U.S. NGL Exports Hit Record Highs in 2025 — What’s Driving the Surge?
- Tony Zelinski
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
U.S. natural gas liquids (NGL) exports surged to 3.1 million barrels per day in 2025, marking a new record and reinforcing America’s role as a global supplier of critical petrochemical feedstocks. This growth—up 7% year over year—reflects a combination of rising liquids‑rich production, competitive pricing, and expanding global petrochemical capacity.
Ethane Leads the Charge
Ethane exports jumped 19%, driven by new cracker capacity in Mexico and China. With the U.S. remaining one of the only countries capable of exporting waterborne ethane at scale, demand continues to rise—particularly from Asia. More growth is expected in 2026 as Europe’s largest ethane cracker comes online in Antwerp.
Propane Demand Shifts Across Asia
Propane exports reached a record 1.8 million b/d, though trade flows shifted. China, Japan, and South Korea reduced or held steady on imports due to tariffs and market dynamics. India, however, emerged as a major growth destination—expanding from 2,000 b/d to 41,000 b/d in a single year.
Butane Continues Its Upward Trend
Normal butane exports climbed 9%, supported by petrochemical demand and government‑backed adoption in developing markets as a cleaner cooking and heating fuel. India, Indonesia, and other Asian markets posted significant year‑over‑year increases.
Why This Matters
The U.S. continues to strengthen its position as a global NGL hub. Competitive pricing, infrastructure advantages, and expanding international petrochemical capacity are reshaping trade flows and reinforcing the strategic importance of U.S. NGL supply in global energy and manufacturing systems.
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