Sylvie Willis
The United States has been a net exporter of fossil fuels since 2019, exporting to 173 countries and three US territories. In 2023, the US exported about 10.15 million barrels per day of petroleum, while importing about 8.5 million barrels per day. The US is the largest exporter of methane gas and leads in emissions from gas exports. The US is also one of the top six fossil fuel exporters, along with Russia, Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Canada, which together account for half of all fossil fuel export-related emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| US fossil fuel exports in 2022 | 27.5 quadrillion Btu |
| US fossil fuel exports in 2023 | 10.15 million barrels per day |
| US fossil fuel imports in 2023 | 8.51 million barrels per day |
| Net fossil fuel exports in 2023 | 1.64 million barrels per day |
| US rank among fossil fuel exporters | 1st |
| US rank among gas exporters | 1st |
| US rank among crude oil exporters | 2nd |
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What You'll Learn
US fossil fuel exports are increasing
The United States has been a net exporter of fossil fuels since 2019, with exports increasing every year since 2002. In 2022, US fossil fuel exports reached 27.5 quadrillion Btu (quads), up from 3.6 quads in 2002. This increase in exports has been driven by a combination of factors, including rising overseas demand for US coal and natural gas, as well as increases in domestic production of crude oil and natural gas.
US coal exports have been on the rise, with a 15% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year, making up about 8% of total energy exports. This increase in coal exports is notable as the US has been a net coal exporter since at least 1949. Additionally, US natural gas exports reached a record high in 2023, contributing to about a 10% increase in total US natural gas exports, with natural gas exports making up about 26% of total US energy exports.
The US has also seen an increase in crude oil exports, contributing to the overall rise in fossil fuel exports. While the US remains a net importer of crude oil, with crude oil accounting for nearly 66% of total energy imports, exports of crude oil and petroleum products have been increasing. In 2023, exports of petroleum products such as gasoline and distillates accounted for about 36% of total energy exports, while crude oil exports made up about 29% of total energy exports.
The increase in US fossil fuel exports has had a significant impact on global emissions. The US is a leading emitter in terms of gas exports, and when combined with the other top fossil fuel exporters (Russia, Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Canada), these countries account for half of all fossil fuel export-related emissions. As US fossil fuel exports continue to increase, it remains to be seen whether the country can balance its economic interests with the need to reduce emissions and transition to a clean energy economy.
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US fossil fuel imports are decreasing
In 2023, US crude oil imports and exports both increased, with exports exceeding imports, making the US a net exporter of crude oil. Crude oil accounted for the largest share of US total energy imports at nearly 66%, while it made up about 29% of total energy exports. Some imported crude oil is refined into petroleum products, such as gasoline and distillates, which are then exported. Net petroleum imports (imports minus exports) were about -1.64 million barrels per day in 2023, indicating that the US was a net exporter of petroleum.
US natural gas exports reached a record high in 2023, contributing to about a 10% increase in total US natural gas exports. Meanwhile, natural gas imports decreased by about 3% from 2022 to 2023, accounting for only 14% of total US energy imports. The US has been a net exporter of natural gas since 2017, with exports increasing in nearly every year since 2014.
US coal exports also increased in 2023, rising by about 15% annually and constituting about 8% of total energy exports. In contrast, coal imports decreased by approximately 35% and represented less than 1% of total US energy imports. The US has been a net coal exporter since at least 1949.
Overall, the US has made significant strides in reducing its dependence on fossil fuel imports and transitioning towards becoming a net exporter of energy. This trend is expected to continue, with increasing exports and decreasing imports of primary energy sources, including fossil fuels.
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US is the largest exporter of methane gas
Fossil fuels are indeed a big US export. The US has been a net total energy exporter since 2019, with exports increasing every year since 2002.
The US leads in emissions from gas exports, and while it is not clear if the US is the largest exporter of methane gas specifically, it is a significant emitter of methane, a potent greenhouse gas with roughly 30 times the warming power of carbon dioxide. About 60% of global methane is emitted by human activity, with a large portion linked to America's natural gas boom. More than 8,000 facilities in the US emit large amounts of methane, not counting emissions from agriculture.
The US has taken steps to address its methane emissions. For example, several US companies have sought third-party certification to ensure transparency around the methane emissions intensity of their exported gas. Additionally, the launch of satellites to monitor methane emissions could pressure US oil and gas producers to curb pollution.
Despite these efforts, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been criticised for not thoroughly tracking methane emissions. A study published in Science found that the US is producing about 60% more methane than the EPA estimates, largely due to leaks along the supply chain.
In conclusion, while I cannot definitively state that the US is the largest exporter of methane gas, it is a major emitter and exporter of methane and fossil fuels more broadly. The country has taken some steps to address its methane emissions but also faces challenges in accurately tracking and regulating them.
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US is the largest exporter of natural gas
The United States has been a net exporter of natural gas since 2016, with exports reaching a record high in 2022, making it the largest exporter of natural gas in the world. The US exported 6.9 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in 2022, a significant increase from the previous year. This makes it the sixth year in a row that the US has been a net exporter of natural gas.
The US has a large LNG export capacity, which has resulted in increased LNG exports each year since 2016. LNG exports exceeded pipeline natural gas exports for the second consecutive year in 2022, with about 44% of total US natural gas exports being transported by pipeline. The expansion of the natural gas pipeline network, particularly in the Permian Basin area of Texas, has allowed producers to increase the capture of natural gas from oil wells, contributing to the increase in total production in 2022.
The US exported natural gas to 46 countries in 2022, with Mexico receiving 68% of pipeline exports and Canada receiving the remaining 32%. The US is Canada's only direct trading partner for natural gas, as pipelines are the safest means of transporting gaseous fuels, although they are usually limited to shorter distances over land. Small amounts of natural gas are also imported and exported by trucks as LNG and compressed natural gas (CNG).
The US leads in emissions from gas exports, with fossil fuel exports dominated by a small group of countries, including Russia, Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Canada, which account for half of all fossil fuel export-related emissions. The US has been a net total energy exporter since 2019, with total energy exports exceeding imports. Exports of primary energy have increased every year since 2002, while primary energy imports have been declining.
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US is a net exporter of fossil fuels
The United States has been a net exporter of fossil fuels since 2019. This means that its exports of fossil fuels (including coal, oil, and natural gas) exceed its imports.
Historically, the US consumed more energy than it produced from 1958 to 2018, relying on imports to meet its energy needs. However, advancements in US crude oil and natural gas production reduced the country's dependence on imports and facilitated a shift towards exports.
The US has been a net exporter of coal since at least 1949. In 2023, coal exports increased by about 15%, while coal imports decreased by about 35%. The US is also a major exporter of natural gas, with exports reaching a record high in 2023, accounting for about 26% of total energy exports.
In terms of oil, the US became a net exporter in 2019, breaking nearly 75 years of dependence on foreign oil. It is now the third-largest producer of crude oil globally and the second-largest exporter of refined petroleum products. US exports of primary energy, which includes fossil fuels, have been on the rise since 2002, reaching 27.5 quadrillion Btu (quads) in 2022.
The US is a significant player in the global fossil fuel market, ranking among the top six fossil fuel exporters and leading in emissions from gas exports. Its net exporter status reflects the country's ability to produce more energy than it consumes and contributes to its pursuit of energy independence.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, fossil fuels are a significant US export. In 2023, the US exported about 10.15 million barrels per day (b/d) of petroleum to 173 countries and 3 US territories. The US has been a net total energy exporter since 2019.
The US exports petroleum products, crude oil, and natural gas. Crude oil exports accounted for 40% of total US gross petroleum exports in 2023. The US leads in emissions from gas exports.
The US is the largest exporter of methane gas and is one of the top six fossil fuel exporters in the world, along with Russia, Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Canada.
