U.S. NGL exports hit record in 2025

U.S. natural gas liquids (NGL) exports reached 3.1 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2025, a 7% increase from the previous year, as rising production and strong petrochemical demand continued to drive volumes higher, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

NGL production has increased annually since 2005, supported by growing output from liquids-rich basins and sustained global demand for products such as ethane, propane and butane. Higher domestic supply has contributed to relatively lower U.S. prices compared with benchmarks in East Asia and the Middle East, helping to position U.S. exports competitively in global markets.

Total NGL exports rose by 212,000 b/d in 2025, with notable growth in shipments to India, where volumes more than doubled, increasing by 70,000 b/d. Most U.S. NGL exports are transported by water, with China, Japan, Canada, Mexico and South Korea ranking as the top five destination markets.

Ethane exports drove much of the growth, rising by 92,000 b/d, or 19%, to 579,000 b/d in 2025. More than half of those volumes were shipped to China, while Canada and India were the next-largest destinations. Increased demand was linked to new petrochemical capacity, including an ethane cracker expansion in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, and a new facility in Yantai, China, both completed in 2025. Additional demand is expected in 2026 with the startup of the INEOS Project One cracker in Antwerp, Belgium, which is designed to consume about 80,000 b/d of ethane.

Propane exports averaged a record 1.8 million b/d in 2025, up 3% year over year and the highest level recorded since data collection began in 1973. While exports to some key Asian markets declined—shipments to South Korea fell 20%, and volumes to Japan were unchanged—overall growth was supported by rising demand in other regions. Exports to India increased from 2,000 b/d in 2024 to 41,000 b/d in 2025, while combined shipments to countries including Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia rose by 70,000 b/d. Additional gains were recorded in Europe, Latin America and Africa.

U.S. propane exports to China declined 29% in 2025 following the introduction of reciprocal tariffs late in the year. Despite this, China remained the largest importer of U.S. propane globally.

Normal butane exports averaged nearly 535,000 b/d in 2025, a 9% increase from the previous year and continuing a steady upward trend that has persisted since 2006. Demand has been supported by both petrochemical uses and its role as a cooking and heating fuel in developing markets. U.S. exports to Indonesia increased 22% to become the second-largest destination, while shipments to India rose sharply to 36,000 b/d. Morocco remained the largest importer despite a 6% decline in volumes.

Natural gasoline exports rose 22% to 176,000 b/d in 2025 but have remained below their 2016 peak of 202,000 b/d. Nearly all natural gasoline exports continue to move by pipeline to Canada, with limited volumes shipped to Mexico and Brazil.