United States Natural Gas Market - Strategic Insights and Forecasts (2026-2031)

The report projects the United States Natural Gas Market to register a strong CAGR during the 2026-2031 forecast period. This growth is underpinned by record production levels, reaching 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025, and increased demand from both domestic industrial users and rising global LNG exports.

Key demand drivers include rising global LNG demand from European and Asian buyers, sustained coal-to-gas switching in the electric power sector (retiring approximately 4% of coal-fired capacity in 2026), and industrial reshoring to the US to leverage low domestic feedstock costs. These factors collectively expand the consumer base across multiple sectors.

The Permian Basin and Haynesville shale are identified as primary drivers of marketed natural gas production, contributing significantly to the record 118.5 Bcf/d reached in 2025. Associated gas from the Permian Basin, in particular, ensures a steady supply even during volatile gas price cycles, creating increased needs for midstream and export capabilities.

The report highlights a Henry Hub price recovery, with benchmark prices rising towards an average of $3.52/MMBtu in 2025, representing a 60% recovery from 2024 lows. This coincides with marketed natural gas production reaching a record 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025, driven by export demand outpacing supply growth.

The report emphasizes the increasing importance of the U.S. as a major marginal supply source for Europe and Asia's energy needs. Rising global LNG demand from these regions is driving record-high liquefaction facility utilization rates across the Gulf Coast, solidifying the U.S. position in international energy markets.

Key restraints include storage inventory volatility caused by extreme weather events and regulatory compliance delays, such as lingering NEPA implementation guidelines slowing approval processes. Opportunities arise from a more flexible EPA regulatory environment allowing for lower compliance costs and quicker project cycles, alongside the strategic role of the U.S. in meeting global energy demands.