US energy exports to Mexico more than double energy imports in 2016

The amount of energy exports from the United States to Mexico were more than double the energy imports from Mexico to the United States in 2016, according to recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which represents a reversal of long-term trends.

Energy exports from the Unites States to Mexico reached a value of $20.2 billion in 2016, while U.S. imports from Mexico totaled $8.7 billion.

Through 2014, the value of crude oil exports from Mexico to the United States far exceeded that of petroleum products, namely gasoline and diesel fuel, sold to Mexico by the United States. From 2006 to 2010, the value was between two and three times greater.

In 2015 and 2016, the value of U.S. energy exports to Mexico exceeded the amount of the reverse. The United States began exporting a quickly rising amount of natural gas and petroleum products, while Mexico’s crude oil exports began to drop.

About nine percent of all U.S. exports to Mexico were energy exports in 2016, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Energy imports accounted for three percent of imports from Mexico this past year.

The construction of additional natural gas pipelines is expected to nearly double the amount of natural gas the U.S. exports to Mexico in 2017 and 2018. Mexico plans to add substantial natural gas-fired electricity generating capacity through 2029.