By Curtis Williams

HOUSTON (Reuters) – Exports of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) increased in August due to higher output from the second-largest export facility, Freeport LNG, after resolving outages and maintenance. Preliminary data from financial firm LSEG indicated LNG exports rose to 7.48 million metric tons (MT) in August, up from 6.69 MT in July, which was the second-lowest monthly export figure of the year.

The U.S. was the largest LNG exporter globally last year. Freeport LNG operated above its nameplate capacity as it benefitted from debottlenecking efforts to enhance output following a July outage due to Hurricane Beryl, which affected operations for eight days.

In August, U.S. LNG producers primarily exported to Asia, driven by high prices amid a heat wave. Approximately 3.19 MT, or nearly 43%, went to Asia, a slight increase from 2.9 MT in July, while Europe accounted for 2.92 MT or 39% of exports, up from 36% the previous month.

Egypt and Jordan imported 0.7 MT and 0.08 MT, respectively, while Latin America received 1.08 MT, surpassing the 11% share from July. Two cargoes with a total volume of 0.14 MT were also noted.

The Venture Global LNG’s 20 MTPA Plaquemines LNG facility in Louisiana is nearing startup to cool the facility with LNG imports, and it will become the second-largest export facility in the U.S., solidifying the nation’s status as the leading exporter of this resource.