Liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes sourced from the United States are taking up an increasingly important share of Brazil’s booming import market, according to market research firm Kpler.

Brazil saw its highest-ever level of LNG in June, when imports clocked in at 657,000 tons. This compared to zero cargoes last June and 184,000 tons received in June 2019.

“A historic drought in the country has reduced hydropower reservoir levels, which is increasing the call on gas for power demand in the country,” Kpler analyst Charles Costerousse told NGI. He added that they are seeing “strong buying behavior” from state oil giant Petróleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras).

U.S.-sourced LNG into Brazil has made up 92% of its imports so far in 2021, compared to 82% in full-year 2020 and...