The US is projected to become a net exporter of natural gas this year.

That’s according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), which expects net exports to average at 0.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d).

As Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports increase, 2018 exports are forecast to increase to 1.3Bcf/d.

Total US natural gas imports averaged 8.2Bcf/d last year and they are expected to increase to 8.3Bcf/d this year, rising to 8.8Bcf/d in 2018.

Natural gas usage averaged at 75Bcf/d last year in total and is forecast to fall by 2.3Bcf/d this year and increase by 2.7Bcf/d next year.

Decreases in total natural gas usage are said to be attributable to lower consumption in the electric sector, which is forecast to fall by 2.6Bcf/d.

The EIA suggests the 2017 decline reflects competition from increasing renewable use – particularly hydropower – and competitive coal prices, along with overall lower electricity generation.

Donald Trump recently said Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn’t want the US to become a net exporter of energy.