Exporting Natural Gas Products from Mozambique to the US

Mozambique is rapidly emerging as a global player in natural gas, driven by the massive discoveries in the Rovuma Basin offshore the Cabo Delgado province. With estimated recoverable reserves of over 100 trillion cubic feet, the country is poised to become one of the top LNG exporters in Africa. The Coral South Floating LNG project, which began production in late 2022, marks Mozambique’s first LNG exports, with a capacity of 3.4 million tonnes per annum. This page is designed for Mozambican natural gas exporters and international traders looking to understand the pathway for selling natural gas products to the United States.

Commodity Overview: Grades, Volumes, and Major Producers

Natural gas products from Mozambique primarily include liquefied natural gas (LNG), condensates, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The country’s gas is notably sweet (low sulfur) and has a high methane content, making it attractive for power generation and industrial use. The Coral South FLNG facility, operated by a consortium led by Eni (Mozambique) with partners including ExxonMobil and CNPC, is the first operational export terminal. The onshore Mozambique LNG project led by TotalEnergies, with a planned capacity of 13.1 million tonnes per year, remains under force majeure due to security issues but represents significant future supply. In 2023, Mozambique exported approximately 3.4 million tonnes of LNG, primarily to Asian and European markets, but the US is a growing target for spot cargoes (US Energy Information Administration 2024).

AGOA Preferential Access and US Tariff Treatment

Mozambique is a beneficiary country under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides duty-free treatment for most products exported to the US. However, natural gas products, including LNG and other petroleum gases, fall under Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings 2711.11 and 2711.21. These products are generally eligible for duty-free entry under AGOA, provided they meet the rules of origin requirements (substantial transformation in Mozambique). The US most-favored-nation (MFN) tariff rate for LNG is zero, so even without AGOA, the duty is not a barrier. Nonetheless, AGOA simplifies customs procedures and offers a competitive edge for Mozambican exporters against non-AGOA suppliers (Office of the US Trade Representative 2024).

US Buyer Types and Import Channels

US buyers of natural gas products from Mozambique include large utility companies, LNG trading desks, and industrial gas distributors. Companies like Cheniere Energy, Sempra Energy, and Freeport LNG are major importers of LNG for regasification and sale into the domestic market. Additionally, chemical manufacturers and power plants purchase LNG for feedstock and fuel. Import channels typically involve long-term contracts (10–20 years) or spot market transactions negotiated through trading platforms like Platts or ICE. Mozambican exporters can also engage with US-based trading firms that specialize in LNG arbitrage (International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers 2023).

Certifications, Standards, and Documentation Required

To export natural gas products to the US, Mozambican suppliers must comply with US regulations including the Natural Gas Act, which requires authorization from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for any import or export of natural gas. Additionally, the Department of Energy (DOE) oversees applications for long-term export licenses. Technical standards include adherence to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications for LNG composition, particularly ASTM D4784-93 for LNG density calculation. Documentation required includes a bill of lading, certificate of origin (for AGOA claims), commercial invoice, packing list, and a quality certificate from an independent testing agency such as SGS or Bureau Veritas. The US Coast Guard also regulates LNG marine transport under 46 CFR Part 154 (US Department of Energy 2024).

Logistics from Mozambique to US Ports

Shipping LNG from Mozambique to the US typically involves specialized LNG carriers with a capacity of 125,000 to 170,000 cubic meters. The primary loading port is the Coral Sul FLNG terminal, located approximately 40 kilometers offshore in the Rovuma Basin. Voyage time to the US Gulf Coast (e.g., Sabine Pass, Louisiana) is approximately 25–30 days via the Cape of Good Hope or the Suez Canal. US receiving terminals are concentrated along the Gulf Coast and the East Coast, with major facilities at Cove Point (Maryland), Elba Island (Georgia), and Everett (Massachusetts). Exporters must secure firm terminal access agreements or use open-access capacity (US Energy Information Administration 2024).

Coppermont Advisory

Navigating the US natural gas market as a Mozambican exporter requires deep understanding of regulatory approvals, contract structures, and logistics. Coppermont provides end-to-end advisory services, from assisting with DOE/FERC export authorization applications to connecting you with US buyers and structuring long-term LNG sales agreements. Our team has hands-on experience in African energy trade and US market entry. Contact us to evaluate your project’s commercial viability and secure a foothold in the world’s largest LNG market.