U.S., Mexico Discuss Natural Gas Trade, Production

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Written by Amir Richani for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

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Summary

Higher natural gas demand from new thermoelectric power plants could raise Mexico's imports from the U.S. Trump also offered to help Mexico increase hydrocarbon production.

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Sheinbaum, Trump Talk Trade

The presidents of Mexico and the U.S., Claudia Sheinbaum and Donald Trump, have discussed purchases of natural gas and higher energy production during phone calls, Sheinbaum said during a press conference.

Sheinbaum said Mexico has new thermoelectric plants and will need natural gas to supply them.

Industrial Info Resources is tracking 126 gas-fired power-generation projects across Mexico, with a total investment value of more than US$10 billion. Four of these projects are grassroot, natural gas-fired power plants with planned start-up dates through December 2027. They include the 110-megawatt (MW) Jorge Luque Phase I, 350-MW CCC Lerdo, the 650-MW San Luis Rio Colorado and the 75-MW Guadalupe.

Together, these projects could add 1,185 MW in new power generation capacity, with further capacity possible through expansions and upgrades in other assets. Subscribers can learn more from detailed reports on the Jorge Luque, CCC Lerdo, San Luis Rio Colorado and Guadalupe projects.

"We have five new combined-cycle plants," Sheinbaum said in the press conference. "We are currently purchasing natural gas, but we also want to develop natural gas (resources) further."

Demand Keeps Climbing

Mexico is the largest importer of natural gas from the U.S., receiving 6.64 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day (bcf/d) by pipeline in 2025, the highest pace on record and 3.7% more than in 2024.

Pemex, Mexico's largest producer of natural gas, has reported an output 4.5 bcf/d, including nitrogen, in recent years. However, domestic gas production remains insufficient to meet Mexico's demand, leaving the country dependent on imports from the U.S.

According to Industrial Info Resources data, 337 Pemex oil and gas production projects across Mexico represent investments of more than US$7 billion. Of those, 44 are grassroot projects representing US$3.85 billion in investments.

Subscribers can learn more from a detailed list of project reports for Pemex's production projects, or a smaller list of its grassroot projects.

According to Sheinbaum, the Trump administration has offered to help Mexico increase its hydrocarbon production. "Yes, he (Trump) has suggested that he could assist with oil production; our position has been clear throughout: we have a constitution and a set of laws in place," Sheinbaum said.

"Oil rights cannot simply be granted here," she added. "What we do have are U.S. companies participating as contractors for Pemex, through various types of contractual arrangements."

Pemex has struggled to significantly increase hydrocarbon production in recent years. Under Sheinbaum, the government seeks to leverage private investments to develop new assets and raise Pemex's output through public and private partnerships.

Sheinbaum has set production targets at 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil during her six-year mandate.

Key Takeaways

• Mexico could import more natural gas to supply its new gas-fired power plants.
• Industrial Info Resources is tracking four thermal power plants that could come online by December 2027.
• Trump offered Sheinbaum help to increase hydrocarbon production.

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About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news, and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing, and energy-related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified, and verified plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 trillion (USD).