Market Intelligence
Global Seaborne LNG Trade Dips in Early 2026 After 2025 Expansion
Worldwide seaborne LNG shipments contracted by 1.6 percent in the first seven months of 2026 following solid growth across 2025, according to Banchero Costa.
Geopolitical developments continue to influence international liquefied natural gas transport, altering vessel routing and cargo supply locations across the sector. Recent trade flow assessments highlight shifting dynamics in export distribution and regional sourcing.
Data published in a weekly report by shipbroker Banchero Costa shows that global seaborne LNG volumes expanded significantly over the course of 2025. Total annual shipments increased by 5.8 percent year-on-year to reach 431.9 million tonnes.
The upward trajectory moderated in the subsequent period, with global exports recording a modest downturn. Between January and July 2026, worldwide seaborne volumes slipped 1.6 percent year-on-year to 241.8 million tonnes, down from 245.9 million tonnes during the corresponding period in 2025.
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