US net imports of natural gas totaled 1,171 bcf in 2014, down 9% from the level in 2013 and continuing an 8-year decline, according to the US Energy Information Administration. This was the lowest level since 1987.
“As US dry natural gas production has reached record highs, lower domestic prices have helped to displace natural gas imports,” EIA said.
Imports by pipeline from Canada, which account for nearly 98% of all US gas imports, were the main driver of the decrease in total imports. Net imports from Canada represented 7% of total US gas consumption in 2014, down from 11% in 2009.
The agency noted that US gas exports also decreased in 2014, but at a slower rate than the decrease in imports, and were still 9% above the previous 5-year average. Gas exports to Mexico, which account for nearly 50% of US gas exports, increased 12% in 2014.
Net imports of LNG in 2014 totaled 43 bcf, down 54% from the level in 2013 and continuing a 5-year decline. LNG exports increased from 2013 levels, but not enough to offset a nearly 40% decrease in total LNG imports in 2014.