The export powerhouse emerges
The U.S. is now the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, shipping over 14 billion cubic feet per day. Domestic natural gas prices have stabilized near $2.75 per MMBtu, reflecting abundant supply and rising global demand from Europe and Asia.
Table 1. U.S. Energy Balance Overview
| Metric | 2019 | 2023 | 2025 (f) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Energy Exports ($ B) | 25 | 125 | 132 |
| LNG Export Capacity (bcf/day) | 6.5 | 13.8 | 14.5 |
| Oil Production (mbpd) | 12.2 | 13.1 | 13.4 |
Sources: EIA, DOE.
Table 2. Electricity Generation Mix (%)
| Source | 2019 | 2023 | 2025 (f) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas | 38 | 39 | 37 |
| Renewables | 17 | 23 | 25 |
| Coal | 23 | 17 | 14 |
| Nuclear | 19 | 19 | 19 |
Source: EIA.
Strategic implications
Energy independence strengthens U.S. trade balances but creates domestic price asymmetry—industrial users face volatility tied to export parity pricing. Transmission congestion and regulatory lag threaten regional power reliability.
Action step
Manufacturers should implement energy-hedging strategies and evaluate on-site generation. Energy firms must align export growth with grid modernization to sustain competitiveness.