US LNG developers count on Europe as the next big buyer, yet meetings this year yielded few firm commitments.

European utilities prefer spot purchases over long‑term contracts, citing uncertainty in future demand and a shift toward decarbonisation. Only one new deal—US‑Greece—ticked the contract box this year.

The lack of long‑term sales could curb US export investment and expose Europe to price volatility. Investors watching LNG projects will note the tightening market for offtake contracts.

US exporters now pivot to Asia, where rising summer demand pushes competition for US cargoes, tightening the global LNG market.