Washington — When former President Donald Trump claimed that Europe would soon buy “vast amounts” of American natural gas, the statement drew both attention and skepticism. While the idea fits into a broader push for U.S. energy dominance, experts say there are major logistical and economic barriers that make a large-scale shift unlikely in the near term.
At the time of Trump’s remarks, U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports were expanding rapidly, thanks to a boom in shale production and new export terminals along the Gulf Coast. European countries, eager to reduce dependence on Russian gas, had expressed interest in diversifying supplies. However, shipping costs, limited terminal capacity, and long-term contracts with existing suppliers have slowed that transition.
Energy analysts note that while the United States can technically supply more LNG, Europe’s infrastructure constraints remain a bottleneck. Only a handful of countries — including the United Kingdom, Spain, and France — have sufficient import terminals to handle large volumes. Central and Eastern Europe, where dependence on Russian pipelines is highest, faces additional logistical challenges.
Even if Europe wanted to buy more American gas, price competitiveness is another factor. U.S. LNG, while strategically appealing, is often more expensive than Russian pipeline gas or regional alternatives. Moreover, much of the U.S. export capacity is already tied up in long-term deals with Asian buyers.
European officials have welcomed the idea of increased U.S. imports but stress that any major change will take years, not months. Building new LNG terminals, upgrading pipelines, and negotiating supply contracts involve complex regulatory and financial hurdles.
In reality, Trump’s claim reflects both an aspiration and a political talking point — part of a broader message about American energy independence. The U.S. will likely continue to increase its role as a global gas supplier, but transforming Europe’s energy map is a gradual process that depends on far more than presidential promises.
