Exporting Liquefied Natural Gas to the US — US Import Terminal Operators

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a cornerstone of global energy trade, enabling the movement of natural gas across oceans by cooling it to -162°C, reducing its volume by 600 times. For US import terminal operators, LNG provides a flexible supply source to complement domestic production, meet peak demand, and enhance energy security. As the United States has become a net natural gas exporter in recent years, import terminals—particularly those in New England, the Northeast, and the Gulf Coast—still play a critical role in balancing seasonal demand and supply disruptions [1]. This page offers a comprehensive guide for US import terminal operators seeking to source LNG from Latin America and Africa, covering product specifications, supplier landscapes, procurement practices, certifications, pricing dynamics, and how Coppermont facilitates these transactions.

LNG Grading and Specifications for US Import Terminals

LNG is graded primarily by its energy content, typically measured in British thermal units (BTU) per cubic foot, and its composition, which affects combustion and processing. For US import terminal operators, the key specifications align with the standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Gas Processors Association (GPA). ASTM D3588-98 outlines methods for calculating heating value, while GPA 2261 provides gas chromatograph analysis for composition. Typical LNG from global suppliers has a higher heating value (HHV) ranging from 1,000 to 1,150 BTU per standard cubic foot (scf), with methane content above 85%, ethane up to 10%, and propane and butane in smaller amounts [2]. Nitrogen content is kept below 1% to avoid reducing heating value. For US terminals, LNG must meet pipeline-quality specifications after regasification, including a Wobbe Index between 1,300 and 1,400 BTU/scf, as specified by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and pipeline operators. Additionally, sulfur content must be below 4 parts per million (ppm) to comply with EPA emissions standards. Buyers should request a cargo’s full compositional analysis and heating value certificate, typically issued by an independent inspector like SGS or Intertek, before offloading.

LATAM and Africa Supplier Landscape for LNG

The supplier landscape for LNG in Latin America and Africa is diverse, with established and emerging producers offering competitive volumes. In Latin America, Trinidad and Tobago is a major supplier, with the Atlantic LNG facility producing approximately 15 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG from natural gas fields in the Columbus Basin. The country exported about 10 million tonnes to the US in 2022, making it the largest foreign LNG supplier to American terminals [3]. Peru, through the Peru LNG plant in Pampa Melchorita, has a capacity of 4.45 mtpa, primarily targeting Pacific markets but also sending cargoes to the US West Coast. Argentina, with its Vaca Muerta shale formation, is developing LNG export capacity, though exports remain limited to occasional spot cargoes. In Africa, Nigeria is the largest LNG exporter, with the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) facility producing 22 mtpa and sending about 5% of its output to the US, particularly during winter months when European demand is high [4]. Angola, through the Angola LNG plant, and Equatorial Guinea, with its EG LNG facility, also supply spot cargoes to US terminals. Mozambique is an emerging supplier, with the Coral South floating LNG project beginning production in 2022, though volumes are currently directed to European and Asian markets. US import terminal operators should engage with these suppliers via long-term contracts or spot market purchases, often through brokers or direct negotiation. Key considerations include contract duration—typically 5 to 20 years for term deals—pricing formulas linked to Henry Hub or Japan Korea Marker (JKM), and delivery terms like FOB (free on board) or DES (delivered ex-ship).

US Buyer Types—Import Terminal Operators and Procurement Practices

US import terminal operators are the primary buyers of LNG for regasification and injection into the domestic pipeline network. These operators include companies like Dominion Energy (Cove Point LNG terminal in Maryland), Sempra Infrastructure (Cameron LNG in Louisiana), and Excelerate Energy (Neptune LNG in Massachusetts). They procure LNG for two main purposes: to meet peak winter demand in regions with limited pipeline capacity, such as New England, and to supplement supply during maintenance or disruptions in domestic production. Procurement is typically managed by dedicated trading desks that monitor Henry Hub futures, spot LNG prices, and shipping rates. Key specifications that matter to these buyers include heating value, delivery schedule, and cargo size—standard cargoes range from 130,000 to 170,000 cubic meters of LNG, equivalent to about 2.5 to 3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Operators also require compliance with FERC regulations for terminal operations and the Clean Air Act for emissions during regasification. Buyers often use the Platts LNG Daily and Argus LNG Daily for price assessments, and they negotiate contracts that include destination flexibility, allowing them to divert cargoes to higher-paying markets if needed. The US import market for LNG is relatively small compared to exports—US imports were about 0.2 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) in 2023, versus exports of 4 Tcf—but it remains vital for regional energy security [5].

Certifications and Import Requirements

Certifications and import requirements for LNG into the United States are governed by multiple federal agencies. The Department of Energy (DOE) authorizes LNG imports under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act, granting blanket approvals for imports from free trade agreement (FTA) countries, while non-FTA imports require a specific authorization. Most LNG suppliers from Latin America and Africa qualify under FTA status, as Trinidad and Tobago, Peru, and Nigeria all have FTAs with the US [6]. The Coast Guard oversees marine safety for LNG tankers, requiring compliance with the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) and US regulations in 33 CFR Part 127. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that LNG terminals operate under Title V permits for air emissions, and suppliers must provide a cargo composition report that verifies compliance with EPA standards for sulfur and volatile organic compounds. Additionally, the American Petroleum Institute (API) standard 2510 provides guidelines for LNG facility design and operation, though this applies more to terminals than cargoes. Importers must also submit a Form 7525V (Entry Summary) to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for each cargo, classifying LNG under Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code 2711.11.00.00. A certificate of origin from the exporting country, often issued by a chamber of commerce, is required to claim preferential duty rates under FTAs. Finally, an independent inspection at the loading port ensures that the LNG meets contractual specifications, with certificates of quality and quantity issued by entities like Bureau Veritas or Lloyd’s Register.

Pricing Dynamics for LNG Imports

Pricing for LNG imported into the US is driven by several factors, including the benchmark Henry Hub natural gas price, global LNG indices like JKM and the Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF), shipping costs, and supply-demand balances. As of early 2025, Henry Hub prices have averaged around $2.50 to $3.50 per million BTU (MMBtu), while delivered LNG prices to US terminals typically range from $3 to $6 per MMBtu, depending on the origin and shipping distance [7]. For example, LNG from Trinidad and Tobago, with a shipping time of 3 to 5 days to the Gulf Coast, commands a lower premium than cargoes from Nigeria, which take 10 to 14 days. Spot cargoes are often priced at a discount to the Henry Hub index, while term contracts use formulas like Henry Hub plus a fixed fee of $0.50 to $1.50 per MMBtu. Lead times for spot purchases range from 2 to 4 weeks for cargo scheduling, while term contracts require 6 to 12 months for negotiation and delivery. Shipping costs for LNG, measured in charter rates, have fluctuated between $30,000 and $100,000 per day for a standard 160,000 cubic meter vessel, adding approximately $0.50 to $1.50 per MMBtu to the delivered cost [8]. US import terminal operators should monitor these variables closely, using hedging strategies like futures contracts on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) to manage price risk. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) provides weekly updates on natural gas storage and prices, which influence LNG procurement decisions.

How Coppermont Connects Suppliers to Buyers

Coppermont connects US import terminal operators with trusted LNG suppliers from Latin America and Africa, streamlining the procurement process from initial inquiry to delivery. Our team has deep expertise in the LNG trade, including knowledge of contract structures, shipping logistics, and regulatory compliance. We work with a network of vetted suppliers who can provide cargoes that meet US specifications, including compositional analysis, heating value, and FTA documentation. For buyers, we offer advisory services to evaluate supplier reliability, negotiate pricing terms, and manage the import authorization process with the DOE and CBP. For suppliers, we provide market intelligence on US demand patterns, terminal capabilities, and pricing benchmarks. Our platform enables transparent communication and documentation, ensuring that each cargo is delivered on time and in compliance with all regulations. Whether you are a terminal operator seeking to diversify supply or an LNG producer looking to enter the US market, Coppermont helps you navigate the complexities of cross-border energy trade. Contact us today to discuss your LNG sourcing needs or to list your supply capacity. Our team is ready to support your next transaction with tailored solutions that maximize value and minimize risk.

Ready to Diversify Your LNG Supply?

For US import terminal operators, LNG from Latin America and Africa offers a strategic supplement to domestic production, providing flexibility and security in a volatile energy market. By understanding product specifications, engaging with reputable suppliers, and navigating regulatory requirements, operators can secure reliable LNG cargoes that meet their operational needs. Coppermont stands ready to facilitate these connections, leveraging our expertise in trade advisory and supply chain management. Reach out to our team to learn more about how we can help you source LNG efficiently and cost-effectively.