Latin American countries import 55% more LNG from US in June

US liquefied natural gas exports to Latin America and the Caribbean hit a 37-month peak in June, reaching 48.84bn cubic feet (1.38bn m3), S&P Global reported.

The June volume represented a 55% jump from May's 31.44 bcf (0.89 bcm) and marked the first time since May 2023 that monthly exports approached the prior record of 51.49 bcf (1.46 bcm). This came amid surging demand from Brazil and Argentina, which displaced traditional buying patterns and signalled accelerating energy integration across the Western Hemisphere.

June shipments were nearly 10% higher than June 2025's 44.44 bcf (1.26 bcm) and 3% above June 2024's 47.59 bcf (1.35 bcm) levels.

Brazil emerged as the overwhelming primary destination, absorbing 16.26 bcf (0.46 bcm) across six cargoes, a staggering 400% surge from May's 3.02 bcf (0.09 bcm). The volume nearly doubled year-on-year comparisons, reaching 150% above June 2025 levels and 21% above June 2024 figures. Four cargoes had been delivered to terminals in Bahia, Guanabara Bay, Sergipe and Barcarena by July 3, with two additional shipments, including one on the Qatar Energy-chartered Simsimah, scheduled for delivery by mid-July.

Argentina commanded the second-largest share at 8.29 bcf (0.24 bcm) across four cargoes, reflecting a 300% month on month increase from May's 2.05 bcf (0.06 bcm). All cargoes were already delivered to the Escobar terminal in Buenos Aires province, underscoring the speed at which Argentine LNG-fired power generation is absorbing US exports.

The surge aligns with Argentina's energy demand pressures as President Javier Milei's administration pursues infrastructure development and industrial growth, objectives that require substantial incremental gas supply.

The Dominican Republic ranked third at 7.14 bcf (0.20 bcm) across two cargoes, though shipments declined 34% from May's 10.75 bcf (0.30 bcm), suggesting temporary demand fluctuations rather than structural reductions.

Jamaica recorded 5.85 bcf (0.17 bcm), a dramatic increase from May's 560mn cubic feet (15.86 mn cubic metres). El Salvador and Chile each received 3.35 bcf (0.10 bcm), whilst Puerto Rico imported 2.68 bcf (0.08 bcm)and Colombia 1.45 Bcf. The Dominican Republic maintained its 42-month consecutive streak as a US LNG destination, a continuity unmatched by any other regional buyer.

Total June cargoes reached 18, up from 14 in May, with Freeport LNG south of Houston supplying six cargoes. Cameron LNG in Louisiana contributed three, whilst Plaquemines, Elba Island and Calcasieu Pass facilities each supplied two cargoes, and Corpus Christi supplied one. Four cargoes had remained in transit as of July 3.

Pricing dynamics supported the volume expansion. The Gulf Coast Marker for US FOB cargoes loading 30-60 days forward assessed at $13.6/mn British thermal units on July 3, up 16 cents/MMBtu day-over-day, offering US suppliers margin opportunities even as regional demand absorbed higher volumes.

The surge reflects deepening energy interdependence within the Western Hemisphere as Brazil and Argentina rely increasingly on US LNG to meet growing power and industrial demand. Whether this momentum sustains depends on continued price competitiveness against alternative suppliers and whether regional infrastructure investment matches appetite for US gas imports.