First ECA LNG cargo en route to South Korea
The first cargo from Sempra’s Energia Costa Azul LNG terminal on Mexico’s Pacific coast is heading to South Korea, offering a new route for US LNG to Asian markets. The cargo, loaded aboard the Pacific Success, is still underway in the Pacific.
First cargo from Mexcio’s ECA LNG en route to Asia
TotalEnergies has shipped the first LNG cargo from ECA LNG Phase 1 in Mexico to Asia, marking a commissioning milestone for the 3.25 mtpa Pacific-facing terminal, feed with U.S. natural gas delivered by pipeline from Permian Basin.
U.S. feedgas flows to Mexico rise as Costa Azul LNG ramps up
Feedgas flows from the United States to Mexico are on pace for a record June as Energía Costa Azul LNG project prepares for export start-up. Sempra began producing LNG at the 3.25 mtpa terminal on June 4, with commercial exports due to begin in September.
Sempra’s ECA LNG terminal receives first feedgas
Sempra's Energía Costa Azul (ECA) LNG terminal has received its first feedgas with a view to start LNG production this spring. The Pacific-facing terminal is targeting Asian markets, with offtake by TotalEnergies and Mitsui supporting Phase 1 project economics.
Sempra gets 6-month extension for Costa Azul LNG Phase 1
Sempra Infrastructure, through its subsidiary IEnova, has received a six-month regulatory extension to begin exports of US-sourced LNG from the Phase 1 of its Energía Costa Azul LNG project in Baja California, Mexico. An order, signed by US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, extends the deadline to September 21, 2026.
Feedgas demand sends US gas exports to Mexico soaring
US pipeline gas exports to Mexico have surged, reaching a record 7.5 Bcf/d in May, as emerging LNG feedgas demand tightens cross-border supply. More than 70% of exported US gas to Mexico is used for power generation, but this share will shift once Fast LNG Altamira 2 and Energía Costa Azul begin operations.
Costa Azul LNG start-up slated for Q1 2026
Commissioning delays have pushed back the timeline for Costa Azul LNG’s first 3.25 mtpa train, which is now expected to begin commercial operations in the first quarter of 2026. Train 2 remains in the early stages of development, envisioned to expand total capacity to 12 mtpa.
Rising US feedgas exports to Mexico’s LNG terminals reshape trade
The value of US-Mexico trade is shifting as Mexico evolves as a conduit for re-exporting American gas to global LNG markets. Though US exports rose 5% the trade value fell more than 30% to $4.2 billion during the first half of 2025, largely due to lower fuel prices.
Sempra seeks DOE extension for Costa Azul LNG project
Sempra has asked the US Department of Energy (DOE) to extend the export deadline for its $2.5 billion Energia Costa Azul LNG terminal on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Construction delays push back commissioning to September 21, 2026.
LNG market fundamentals bearish despite Trump’s election win
Global LNG markets have been pretty unphased by last week’s US election results: near-term demand fundamentals are net bearish as traders await the onset of more severe winter weather. Looking at Q1-2025, uncertainty abounds with regards to Egypt’s LNG demand due to insufficient domestic gas production and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
