LNG: US Issues First Non-FTA LNG Export Permit Since Jan Pause: Argus

The US DoE has authorised Mexico’s 1.4m mtpa Altamira LNG export terminal to load cargoes produced from US gas to countries without free trade agreements with the US, Argus said.

• This is the first new non-FTA permit issued to an LNG export terminal since the Biden administration announced a pause on new non-FTA authorisations in January.
• The pause was due to a planned review of the impact of a further build-out of LNG export capacity on US gas.
• Altamira used US feedgas, requiring permits to export to countries without an FTA with the US.
• Altamira exported its first cargo last month, which was headed to Mexico’s Pacific coast.
• The non-FTA authorisation expires Aug. 30, 2029, although operator New Fortress Energy wanted authorisation until 2051. There will be a re-evaluation no sooner than Aug. 31, 2026.