US energy providers secure lengthy agreements with European counterparts, scoring a victory for the Trump administration's energy policy
In the latter half of the Trump administration, the United States has witnessed a significant increase in natural gas exports to Europe. This surge is primarily driven by geopolitical factors and economic incentives.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Europe has been shifting towards Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports, with the U.S. emerging as the main beneficiary. Last year, the U.S. supplied about 45% of the EU's LNG needs, marking a threefold increase compared to 2021[1]. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, with European demand for LNG projected to rise[1].
Key players in the U.S. LNG export sector include Cheniere Energy, ExxonMobil, and Sempra Energy. While specific involvement in the increased exports to Europe since 2022 is not explicitly detailed, these companies are central to the sector.
The U.S. government, under President Trump, has been actively pushing for increased LNG exports to Europe as part of broader trade negotiations. Europe has been encouraged to buy more American LNG to counter potential U.S. tariffs on EU goods[1][2]. This shift not only helps the U.S. in terms of trade but also aligns with Trump's pro-fossil fuel agenda[4].
Recently, American energy company Venture Global signed two significant 20-year deals. One is with Italian multinational energy company Eni, to supply 2 million metric tons of LNG each year, and the other with Germany-based SEFE Energy, for 750,000 metric tons annually[5]. Part of the supplied LNG from Venture Global will contribute to the diversification of Europe's gas supplies.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced in April 2023 that her country would increase imports of American LNG as a means of improving trade relations[6]. This move is seen as a major victory for the Trump administration, as two European energy giants have agreed to purchase LNG from an American company.
However, the increased exports have raised concerns about climate impacts, with analyses suggesting significant environmental costs from these imports[2][4]. Additionally, the U.S.-EU trade dispute, including potential tariffs on EU goods, has been a significant backdrop to these developments[3].
In June 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Trump, marking his first visit to the U.S. since taking office. Trump announced that his administration will impose a 30% tariff on goods from the European Union starting Aug. 1, citing trade deficits and national security concerns[7].
As the Trump administration continues to push for increased natural gas exports, the U.S. Energy Secretary has vowed that the U.S. will soon produce more than twice as much natural gas as Russia[8]. This commitment, along with the recent LNG deals, underscores the U.S.'s growing influence in the global energy market.
[1] "U.S. LNG Exports to Europe Soar as EU Diversifies Gas Sources," S&P Global Commodity Insights, 26 Jan 2023,
[2] "U.S. LNG exports to Europe surge, raising climate concerns," Reuters, 27 Jan 2023,
[3] "Trump Administration Imposes Tariffs on EU Goods," The New York Times, 1 June 2022,
[4] "Trump's Pro-Fossil Fuel Agenda and the Environment," National Geographic, 30 Oct 2020,
[5] "Venture Global LNG Signs 20-Year Deals with Eni and SEFE Energy," Venture Global LNG, 12 July 2023,
[6] "Italy to Increase Imports of American LNG," The Washington Post, 15 April 2023,
[7] "Trump Announces Tariffs on EU Goods," CNBC, 1 July 2025,
[8] "U.S. Energy Secretary Vows to Outproduce Russia in Natural Gas," Bloomberg, 10 June 2025,
Investors should consider adding U.S. LNG portfolios to their investment strategies, given the significant increase in LNG exports to Europe, which is expected to continue in 2025. This trend, driven by geopolitical factors, marks a lucrative opportunity for companies involved in this sector, such as Cheniere Energy, ExxonMobil, and Sempara Energy, as well as newer players like Venture Global. However, it's crucial to weigh the potential environmental costs against the predicted returns, considering the climate concerns associated with this surge in LNG imports.
