By Marwa Rashad and Emily Chao

LONDON/SINGAPORE, July 7 (Reuters) - Global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade hit a record high last year, as strong U.S. exports and rising European imports offset a decline in Asian purchases, the International Gas Union said in a report.

However, the report warned that the conflict in the Middle East could lead to a contraction this year.

International Gas Union President Andrea Steger said, "The conflict in the Gulf has damaged LNG infrastructure, cast a shadow over the prospects for expansion projects in the region, and exposed Asian buyers to uncertainty regarding flows and rising prices."

• The International Gas Union noted in the report that global liquefied natural gas trade rose 6.3 percent to 436.98 million tons in 2025, the fastest growth rate since 2022.

• Europe recorded the largest increase in imports, with its imports rising by 26.1 million tons to reach 126.2 million, as it sought to replenish its stocks and compensate for the decline in Russian gas flows.

• The Asia-Pacific region remained the largest importer of liquefied natural gas, importing 168.7 million tons, despite imports to Asia decreasing by 9.2 million tons, mainly due to lower demand in China and India.

• China remained the world's largest importer of liquefied natural gas at 69.77 million tons, but imports fell by 8.9 million tons year-on-year.

• The report highlighted divergent trends in Asia, with China's LNG imports declining due to increased domestic supply and higher pipeline imports from Russia, while declining production in parts of Southeast Asia has led to increased reliance on spot market LNG purchases.

• Japan ranked second among the largest importers with 67.37 million tons, while South Korea increased its imports by 1.7 million tons to reach 48.67 million.

• The International Gas Union said that prolonged high prices for liquefied natural gas could negatively impact demand growth in emerging Asian economies, particularly in South and Southeast Asia.

• The United States remained the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, shipping 110.74 million tons, followed by Qatar with about 81.51 million, and then Australia with about 80.32 million tons.

• The International Gas Union comprises more than 130 member countries representing more than 90 percent of the global gas market.