Latinnews
LatinNews Daily - 29 August 2025
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- COLOMBIA/VENEZUELA: Petro orders troops to border
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s gov’t unveils social security reform bill
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Authorities hail major money laundering bust
- In brief: Brazil begins review for reciprocal measures to US tariffs
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: US proposes new force to tackle gangs
- In brief: Panama shores up ties with Brazil
Mexico
- MEXICO: Fistfight in the senate triggers legal action
- In brief: Mexico’s unemployment edges up in monthly terms
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Violence mars election campaign
- In brief: Uruguay’s unemployment falls
On 28 August Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro said that his government is working with Venezuela to militarise both sides of the border in the volatile Catatumbo region which spans both countries.
LatinNews Daily - 28 August 2025
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- ARGENTINA: Milei rocked by bribery scandal
Andean
- ECUADOR: NGOs facing tighter regulations
- In brief: Ecuador’s Noboa seeks closer ties with Japan
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Congress approves online regulation bill for child protection
- In brief: Brazilian delegation inks cooperation agreements with Mexico
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Gov’t claims blow against gangs
- In brief: Dominican Republic’s growth picks up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum denies gov’t links to Cártel de Sinaloa
- In brief: Mexico suspends postal services to US
Southern Cone
- In brief: Argentina’s air traffic controllers end strike
On 27 August rocks and other objects were hurled at Argentina’s President Javier Milei while he was out campaigning for the upcoming midterm elections.
LatinNews Daily - 27 August 2025
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- BOLIVIA: Opposition leaders released from prison
Andean
- In brief: Venezuela deploys navy to oil sites amid tensions with US
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro placed under full-time surveillance
- In brief: Brazil’s government to buy food impacted by US tariffs
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Moving on proposed mega-prison
- In brief: Panama’s gov’t seeks to revive banana sector
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum rebuts White House on CDMX violence
- In brief: New solar thermal power plants unveiled for Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Jumping on US offensive against Maduro
- In brief: Air traffic controllers on strike in Argentina
On 26 August a court in Bolivia’s capital La Paz ordered the release from prison of Luis Fernando Camacho, leader of the far-right Creemos and former governor of Santa Cruz (2021-2024), and Marco Antonio Pumari, former president of opposition civil society group Comité Cívico Potosinista (2018-2020).
LatinNews Daily - 26 August 2025
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- BRAZIL/REGION: Amazonian countries back Brazil’s rainforest fund
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Military mobilised in response to US threats
- In brief: Peru’s GDP growth slows
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil launches more support for companies affected by US tariffs
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Death of opposition figure causes outcry
- In brief: Honduras’ growth picks up
Mexico
- MEXICO: El Mayo pleads guilty
- In brief: Mexico confirms Q2 growth
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Corruption probe gathers pace
- In brief: Chile suspends poultry imports from Argentina due to bird flu outbreak
On 22 August Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attended the summit of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (OTCA) in Colombia, where member countries agreed to support Brazil’s proposed global funding initiative for tropical rainforest conservation, the ‘Tropical Forest Forever Facility’ (TFFF).
LatinNews Daily - 22 August 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Guerrilla attacks leave 18 dead and dozens wounded
Andean
- In brief: Chevron joins Peruvian offshore oil project
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Boost in congress for government’s income tax bill
- In brief: Brazil’s tax take up in July
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA/COLOMBIA: Tension over granting of asylum request
- In brief: End to port strike in Guatemala
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t dismantles arms trafficking group
- In brief: Mexico registers record FDI in first half of 2025
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Surprise change at Chile’s finance ministry
- In brief: Argentina’s senate delivers blow to Milei
Publishing Note
- Publishing Note
On 21 August Colombia suffered two of its worst attacks by insurgent groups in recent years, with at least 18 people killed and dozens wounded after a police helicopter was shot down in Antioquia department and bombs were detonated outside a military academy in the southwestern city of Cali.
LatinNews Daily - 21 August 2025
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- BRAZIL: Police accuse Bolsonaro of coercion and trying to flee justice
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Uribe holds rally to celebrate his release
- In brief: Peru announces investment projects for Andes
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula discusses EU-Mercosur deal with France’s Macron
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS/NICARAGUA: Greenlight for TPS terminations
- In brief: Panama Canal Authority projects fall in revenue
Mexico
- MEXICO: Arrests made in relation to murders of CDMX aides
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum unveils investment in irrigation
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: New scandal piles pressure on Milei
- In brief: Argentina’s economic activity down in monthly terms
On 20 August Brazil’s supreme court (STF) published a report filed by the federal police (PF) which alleges that former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) and his allies have been seeking to undermine the case in which they stand accused of plotting a coup to overturn Bolsonaro’s 2022 election defeat.
LatinNews Daily - 20 August 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Stand-off with US reaches new heights
Andean
- In brief: Judge orders release of Colombia’s ex-president Uribe
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lower house fast-tracks online regulation bill
- In brief: Brazil’s competition authority orders suspension of soya moratorium
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Prominent rights group slams extension of pretrial detentions
- In brief: Guatemala’s private sector rejects port strike
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum denies DEA operation
- In brief: Mexico announces sale of sanctioned banks
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei moves on privatisation spurred by IMF
- In brief: Paraguay hails maintenance of investment grade status
On 19 August international media reported that the US has deployed three warships towards the waters off Venezuela, as White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt described the country’s government as a “narco-terror cartel” and said the US administration is “prepared to use every element of American power” to tackle drug trafficking.
LatinNews Daily - 19 August 2025
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- BOLIVIA: Conservatives set to gain sweeping control over congress
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s central bank highlights growth and trade surplus
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court moves against US sanctions
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula seeks to revitalise ties with Ecuador
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: US blacklists former security minister
- In brief: Tourism to Cuba continues to fall
Mexico
- MEXICO: Mixed reactions to NWS control plan
- In brief: Mexico hails strength of tourism sector
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Presidential race officially kicks off
- In brief: Chile’s quarterly growth slows in Q2
On 18 August a preliminary analysis of the results of Bolivia’s 17 August legislative elections found that the left will lose almost all of its presence in congress, compounding the swing to the right in the same day’s presidential election.
LatinNews Daily - 18 August 2025
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- BOLIVIA: End of an era as MAS suffers devastating defeat
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s GDP growth slows in Q2
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court confirms Bolsonaro coup plot trial date
- In brief: Chinese carmaker GWM opens new plant in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: More gov’t critics arrested
- In brief: Panama gov’t hails fall in risk premium
Mexico
- MEXICO: Environmental project launched with Guatemala, Belize
- In brief: Mexico secures investment for new industrial parks
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: US court gives Argentina breathing space over YPF
- In brief: Uruguay’s Ancap halts operations over oil leak
Washington Watch
- Venezuela rejects US’ doubling of bounty on Maduro
On 17 August two right-wing candidates advanced to the 19 October second round of Bolivia’s presidential elections, ending nearly two decades of dominance by the ruling left-wing Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS).
LatinNews Daily - 15 August 2025
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- BOLIVIA: Conservatives poised for breakthrough as campaigns end
Andean
- In brief: Peru holds interest rate
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro coup plot trial approaches final phase
- In brief: Brazil’s services sector grows for fifth consecutive month
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Arrests over alleged plot to kill former president Zelaya
- In brief: Costa Rica hails drop in fiscal deficit
Mexico
- MEXICO: Former Pemex CEO arrested in US
- In brief: US sanctions more Mexican cartels
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Key suspect arrested in Ojeda case
- In brief: Argentina announces surprise debt auction to absorb excess pesos
On 14 August the period of ‘electoral silence’ began in Bolivia, marking the end of campaigning ahead of the 17 August general elections.
LatinNews Daily - 14 August 2025
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- PERU: Boluarte defies Corte-IDH with amnesty law
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s ex-president Vizcarra sentenced to pre-trial detention
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula launches US tariff relief plan
- In brief: Brazil’s retail sales down in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Gang members free prison guards held hostage
- In brief: Panama’s CSJ responds to pensions outcry
Mexico
- MEXICO: US sanctions CJNG-linked tourist scammers
- In brief: Mexico reports drop in poverty rates
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: University workers reject latest gov’t measures
- In brief: Argentina’s monthly inflation creeps up again
On 13 August Peru’s President Dina Boluarte promulgated a law granting amnesties to security personnel for crimes committed from 1980-2000 during the internal conflict with the Maoist guerrilla group Sendero Luminoso (SL), defying an injunction from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (Corte-IDH) which had ruled against the legislation.
LatinNews Daily - 13 August 2025
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- ECUADOR: Noboa leads major protest against constitutional court
Andean
- In brief: Russian lithium contract clears first hurdle in Bolivia’s congress
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Setback for far-right legislative priorities
- In brief: Brazil’s monthly inflation accelerates in July
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: US indicts top Haitian gang leader, announces new bounty
- In brief: US oil giant ExxonMobil returns to Trinidad & Tobago
Mexico
- MEXICO: Second mass extradition as Trump ramps up pressure
- In brief: International tourism up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Deputies reactivate $LIBRA investigative commission
- In brief: Uruguay’s main union reiterates calls for wealth tax amid other demands
On 12 August thousands of Ecuadoreans participated in a march led by President Daniel Noboa against the constitutional court, which on 4 August suspended articles from government legislation aimed at combatting organised crime.
LatinNews Daily - 12 August 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Uribe Turbay dies following June assassination attempt
Andean
- In brief: Peru and Indonesia sign trade agreement
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula seeks to deepen Brics ties amid US tariffs
- In brief: Brazilian airline Azul closes several routes
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Anger over judges’ pensions
- In brief: Inflation slows in Cuba
Mexico
- MEXICO: US signals Pemex corruption
- In brief: Industrial production drops in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: El Teniente mine manager replaced
- In brief: Paraguay reforms political campaign financing system
On 11 August Miguel Uribe Turbay, a Colombian senator and presidential hopeful, died as a result of an assassination attempt on 7 June.
LatinNews Daily - 11 August 2025
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- MEXICO: Concerns rise over US military intervention
Andean
- ECUADOR: Nightclub massacre fuels security concerns
- In brief: Inflation picks up in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula vetoes parts of controversial environmental licencing bill
- In brief: Short-term prospects dim for US-Brazil tariff talks
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: New CPT leader moves on security
- In brief: Panama secures Japanese loan for metro line
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico sets minimum tomato export prices
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei pledges to ‘penalise’ national budgets with fiscal deficits
- In brief: Inflation ticks up in Chile
Washington Watch
- US backs El Salvador’s abolition of term limits
On 8 August Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the use of US military force in Mexico following media reports that US President Donald Trump had authorised the military to fight prominent drug cartels.
LatinNews Daily - 08 August 2025
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- HAITI: New CPT leader takes over as gangs make new threat
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Trump administration ups reward for Maduro arrest
- In brief: Ecuador’s unions stage protests
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Opposition pushes for impeachment of supreme court judge
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras posts higher profits in first half of year
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Costa Rica’s deflation quickens
Mexico
- MEXICO: Inflation down as Banxico slows interest rate cuts
- In brief: Mexico’s vehicle production and exports up year-on-year in July
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Francos blames congressional setbacks on elections
- In brief: Argentina’s industrial production, construction up year-on-year in June
On 7 August Laurent Saint-Cyr took over from Fritz-Alphonse Jean as head of Haiti’s nine-member transitional presidential council (CPT) for a six-month term.
LatinNews Daily - 07 August 2025
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- ECUADOR: Tensions between Noboa and constitutional court deepen
Andean
- In brief: Peru seeks to boost trade and investment ties with Japan
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t seeks WTO consultations over US tariffs
- In brief: Brazil’s trade surplus up in monthly terms, down year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Gov’t moves on declared anti-corruption drive
- In brief: Panama’s gov’t unveils road infrastructure projects
Mexico
- MEXICO: US targets priority criminal group in latest sanctions
- In brief: BBVA forecasts drop in remittances to Mexico in 2025
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Protests as deputies pile more pressure on Milei
- In brief: Argentina’s YPF acquires TotalEnergies stake in oil and gas blocks
On 6 August Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa announced that he will join a peaceful march against the constitutional court (CC) on 12 August, after it provisionally suspended a series of articles from a raft of legislation backed by the government aimed at tackling the threat posed by organised crime.
LatinNews Daily - 06 August 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro stirs up Amazon border conflict with Peru
Andean
- In brief: Suspension of key legislation welcomed in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro allies obstruct congress
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank expresses concern over US tariff risks
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Electoral authority draws line under crisis
- In brief: Monthly inflation picks up in Dominican Republic
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t unveils plan to overhaul Pemex’s finances
- In brief: Canadian officials in Mexico to discuss US tariffs
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Investigation into former president advances
- In brief: Disabled people protest in Argentina against presidential veto
On 5 August bilateral relations between Peru and Colombia took an abrupt turn for the worse after Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro accused Peru of having “appropriated” the Amazon River island of Santa Rosa.
LatinNews Daily - 05 August 2025
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- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro placed under house arrest
Andean
- PERU: Debate over human rights system exit
- In brief: Ecuador signs MoU with Canadian mining firm
Brazil
- In brief: BP announces major oil and gas discovery in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Mass kidnapping draws alarm
- In brief: Rise in FDI to Dominican Republic
Mexico
- MEXICO: Federal official killed in Tamaulipas
- In brief: New financial intelligence head named in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Mine closed after six fatalities
- In brief: Inflation edges up in Paraguay
On 4 August Brazilian supreme court (STF) justice Alexandre de Moraes issued an order to place former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) under house arrest for breaching a social media ban that was imposed on 18 July.
LatinNews Daily - 04 August 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Uribe sentenced to 12 years’ house arrest
Andean
- In brief: IMF highlights challenges for Colombia amid strengthening growth
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Far-right rallies held without Bolsonaro’s presence
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial production up in monthly terms, down year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS/NICARAGUA: TPS expiration delayed
- In brief: Honduras inflation slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Inmates killed in Veracruz prison riot
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico continue to fall
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei carries out threatened vetoes
- In brief: IMF eases Argentina’s foreign reserves target
Washington Watch
- Mexico’s private sector responds to latest US tariff pause
On 1 August a Colombian judge sentenced former president Álvaro Uribe (2002-2010) to 12 years of house arrest on charges of witness tampering and bribery of a public official.
LatinNews Daily - 01 August 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: Legislative assembly allows indefinite presidential re-election
Andean
- COLOMBIA: US criticism of Uribe verdict faces pushback
- In brief: Colombia holds interest rate
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro’s party expels deputy for criticising Trump
- In brief: Brazil’s unemployment rate reaches record low
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Dominican Republic maintains interest rate
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum secures tariff hike postponement
- In brief: Spain’s Iberdrola sells remaining assets in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: IMF approves new release of funds
- In brief: Chile’s industrial production down in monthly terms
On 31 July El Salvador’s legislative assembly voted overwhelmingly to remove presidential terms limits, opening the door for President Nayib Bukele to seek to remain in office indefinitely.
LatinNews Daily - 31 July 2025
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- BRAZIL: US imposes tariffs and sanctions Brazilian judge
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Poll suggests election run-off between two conservatives
- In brief: Colombia’s Petro demands action on hunger
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank halts rate hike cycle
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Chaves rules out stepping down early
- In brief: Legal challenges filed against Panama Canal contract
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t hails Sinaloa arrests
- In brief: Mexico’s GDP growth up in Q2
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Governors join forces ahead of mid-terms
- In brief: Chile welcomes key exemptions in US copper tariffs
On 30 July Brazilian authorities expressed outrage over the executive order signed earlier that day by US President Donald Trump to impose high tariffs on Brazilian imports and the US government decision to sanction Brazilian supreme court (STF) justice Alexandre de Moraes.
LatinNews Daily - 30 July 2025
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- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro attends first rally under latest court restrictions
Andean
- ECUADOR: Top minister steps down
- In brief: Colombia’s gov’t presents draft 2026 budget
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil expresses optimism over US tariff talks
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Ortega praises China and awards mining concession
- In brief: Panama’s gov’t unveils 2026 budget proposal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Controversial national search commission head resigns
- In brief: Mexico completes debt offering to support Pemex
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei moves to counter veto threat
- In brief: Chile delivers first interest rate cut of 2025
On 29 July Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) attended a far-right rally in Brasília but did not give a speech, possibly to avoid violating the restrictions imposed on him by the supreme court (STF) on 18 July, which include a social media ban among other things.
LatinNews Daily - 29 July 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Uribe found guilty of witness tampering and bribery
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s Noboa defends cuts ahead of protests
Brazil
- BRAZIL: NGO warns of rise in violence against indigenous people
- In brief: Brazil inaugurates major thermal power plant
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Rights groups warn of increasing repression
- In brief: Dominican Republic and El Salvador sign customs agreement
Mexico
- MEXICO: INE fines judicial election candidates for irregularities
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex posts first profit in over a year
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Matthei blasts Kast
- In brief: International tourism to Argentina continues to drop
On 28 July a Colombian court found former president Álvaro Uribe (2002-2010) guilty of witness tampering and bribery.
LatinNews Daily - 28 July 2025
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- VENEZUELA: PSUV tightens control in municipal elections
Andean
- In brief: New accusations against Peru’s Castillo and 24 lawmakers
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonarista encampment in Brasília dismantled
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit up in June
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Opposition demonstrates as electoral deadlock continues
- In brief: Panama Canal port owner seeks Chinese investor in defiance of US
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sinaloa violence continues a year on from key arrests
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum unveils healthcare investment
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei announces export tariff cuts for farmers
- In brief: Argentina moves on privatisation of state energy company
Washington Watch
- US blacklists head of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua
On 27 July Venezuela’s ruling Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV) further cemented its control in municipal elections that were mostly boycotted by the opposition.
LatinNews Daily - 25 July 2025
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- ECUADOR: Gov’t streamlined with deep cuts
Andean
- In brief: Chevron poised to return to Venezuela, says Maduro
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Drop in violent killings marks boost for gov’t
- In brief: Brazil reiterates willingness to negotiate with US on tariffs
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Foreign agents law challenged
- In brief: Honduran private sector highlights high informality rate
Mexico
- MEXICO: Deal struck with US to combat Tijuana river sewage
- In brief: Mexico’s Cemex records solid profit in Q2
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Peña tables wide-ranging reforms
- In brief: Argentina reaches staff-level agreement with IMF
On 24 July Ecuador’s government led by President Daniel Noboa significantly reduced the number of government ministries and secretariats and said that 5,000 government workers would be laid off as part of cost-cutting measures.
LatinNews Daily - 24 July 2025
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- HAITI: Police killings highlight expanding gang presence
Andean
- COLOMBIA: ELN increases pressure in the west
- In brief: Peru’s finance minister denies corruption
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t to join South Africa’s case against Israel
- In brief: Brazil seeks to boost trade with Mexico
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Costa Rica’s private sector alarmed over insecurity
Mexico
- MEXICO: La Barredora leader captured in Jalisco
- In brief: Mexico’s Inegi to measure poverty
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: US ambassador pick stokes controversy
- In brief: Argentina approves lithium project for Australian firm
On 23 July Haiti’s national police (PNd’H) confirmed that three PNd’H officers had been killed by “criminal bandits” in Artibonite department the previous day.
LatinNews Daily - 23 July 2025
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- HAITI: Prominent businessman arrested in US, facing deportation
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Opposition denounces new wave of arrests
- In brief: Colombia’s gov’t presents new anti-fracking bill
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lower house president blocks Bolsonaro solidarity motion
- In brief: Brazil’s air travel up in first half of 2025
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama’s economic activity slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: US focuses on cartel drone threat
- In brief: Mexico announces operation to boost Pemex finances
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY/REGION: Spain’s Sánchez avoids Argentina on Southern Cone tour
- In brief: Paraguay to investigate former president over alleged tax haven
On 22 July the international media reported that US authorities had arrested Haitian business magnate Pierre Reginald Boulos, who is also a US permanent resident, in Florida, for allegedly collaborating with Haitian gangs.
LatinNews Daily - 22 July 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Investigation into alleged torture of deportees in El Salvador
Andean
- In brief: Peru registers first fiscal surplus in two years
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Judge raises concern over possible breach of Bolsonaro restrictions
- In brief: Brazilian market experts lower 2026 inflation forecast
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Bolivia downplays impact of asylum granted to unionist
- In brief: Sharp drop in tourism to Cuba
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum condemns violence during gentrification protest
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t responds to US flight restrictions
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: CGT gears up for protests
- In brief: Argentina’s economic activity down in monthly terms, up year-on-year
On 21 July Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced an investigation into alleged torture and cruel treatment of 252 Venezuelans who were repatriated on 18 July from El Salvador, where they had been imprisoned since being deported from the US in March.
LatinNews Daily - 21 July 2025
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- BRAZIL: US to sanction Brazilian supreme court justices
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Prisoner exchange with El Salvador and US
- In brief: Fito extradited from Ecuador to US
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil to boost funding for northeast railway project
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI/COLOMBIA: Petro pays another visit to Haiti
- In brief: Panama’s finance minister remains upbeat on growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: Tabasco scandal taints Morena
- In brief: US imposes flight restrictions on Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Electoral lists presented for Buenos Aires showdown
- In brief: Argentina to privatise water and sanitation company
Washington Watch
- US blacklists Cuba’s president
On 19 July Brazil’s government criticised a US government decision announced the previous evening to revoke the visa of supreme court (STF) justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has been presiding over cases involving Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023).
LatinNews Daily - 18 July 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: Top human rights group flees country citing repression
Andean
- COLOMBIA/VENEZUELA: Plans for binational economic zone move forward
- In brief: Optimism over new gas project in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula adopts more combative tone amid US tariff tensions
- In brief: IMF reiterates calls for Brazil to improve fiscal position
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Costa Rica posts drop in tourism
Mexico
- MEXICO: Prisons in Sinaloa face security crisis
- In brief: Breadmaker Bimbo announces major investment in Mexico
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Opposition parties forge alliance
- In brief: Argentina registers another trade surplus in June
On 17 July leading Salvadorean human rights group Cristosal announced it was suspending operations in the country and would work from its offices in Guatemala and Honduras.
LatinNews Daily - 17 July 2025
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- HONDURAS: Electoral crisis deepens as CNE member tenders resignation
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Private healthcare hits back as Petro makes last push for reform
- In brief: Peru’s troubled state oil company claims to be turning a corner
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Congress passes controversial environmental licencing bill
- In brief: Brazilian judge restores most of government’s tax hikes
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Nicaragua’s trade deficit grows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Lead Ayotzinapa prosecutor replaced
- In brief: Mexico and Canada seek closer ties in response to Trump tariffs
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Dismissals amid reports of YPF information leak
- In brief: Argentina’s primary surplus down in monthly terms
On 16 July Ana Paola Hall, one of the three members of Honduras’ national electoral council (CNE), announced her resignation.
LatinNews Daily - 16 July 2025
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- CUBA: Labour minister quits after downplaying poverty
Andean
- PERU: Boluarte met with violent protests in Iquitos
- In brief: Ecuador’s GDP grows in Q1
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Tensions with US rise over tariff threat
- In brief: Brazil’s Neonergia receives investment from EU bank
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: El Salvador’s trade deficit grows
Mexico
- MEXICO: US highlights counter-narcotics efforts
- In brief: Mexico’s finance regulator fines sanctioned firms
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Gov’t granted breathing room in YPF stake turnover
- In brief: Indigenous groups in Chile challenge Codelco-SQM lithium deal
On 15 July Cuba’s labour minister, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, resigned.
LatinNews Daily - 15 July 2025
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- HAITI: Binuh renewed but for less time
Andean
- ECUADOR: Gov’t plans quick extradition of Fito
- In brief: Ecuador’s gov’t mulls adding economic questions to referendum
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula prepares for US tariff threat response
- In brief: Brazil’s economic activity down in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Cuba reveals GDP contraction in 2024 amid new US sanctions
Mexico
- MEXICO: US tomato tariffs come into force
- In brief: Mexico continues fuel theft crackdown
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Peso hits three-month low
- In brief: Argentina’s monthly inflation ticks up while annual rate declines
On 14 July the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) extended the mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (Binuh) until 31 January 2026.
LatinNews Daily - 14 July 2025
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- MEXICO: Gov’t responds to new US tariff threat
Andean
- PERU: Mining protests turn deadly
- In brief: Former tax chief investigated over optimistic forecasts
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Deforestation rises in Amazon biome
- In brief: Brazil’s government raises growth forecast
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Former security minister indicted on drug charges in US
- In brief: Teachers end strike in Panama
Mexico
- In brief: International tourism in Mexico up in May
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Far-right parties seal electoral alliance
- In brief: Paraguay registers trade deficit in first half of 2025
Washington Watch
- Chile mulls response to US copper tariff threat
On 12 July Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government would reach an agreement with the US government following an announcement from US President Donald Trump that he would impose 30% tariffs on imports from Mexico on 1 August.
LatinNews Daily - 11 July 2025
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- ARGENTINA: Senate delivers blow to Milei as midterms loom
Andean
- PERU: Rights groups denounce amnesty bill
- In brief: Peru holds interest rates
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula reiterates criticisms against US tariffs
- In brief: Brazil’s inflation down in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Electoral candidate killed as CNE issues new warning
- In brief: El Salvador hails bitcoin reserves
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t rejects new US suspension of livestock imports
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico eyes smaller rate cuts
Southern Cone
- In brief: Argentina appeals YPF ruling
On 10 July the Argentine senate passed a series of bills that will increase government spending and are opposed by President Javier Milei.
LatinNews Daily - 10 July 2025
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- BRAZIL: Lula promises reciprocity against US tariffs
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Investigation opened into passport contract irregularities
- In brief: Ecuador’s new mining tax faces legal challenge
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula calls for closer alignment with Indonesia
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele recalls Mexico envoy amid spat over drug flight
- In brief: Panama hails exit from European blacklist
Mexico
- MEXICO: US grants reprieve to sanctioned finance firms
- In brief: Headline inflation slows as core rates rises in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: LLA forges alliance with PRO in Buenos Aires province
- In brief: Chile responds to US copper tariff threat
On 9 July Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that “unilateral increases in tariffs” will be met with reciprocity, in response to yesterday’s announcement by US President Donald Trump of a 50% tariff on Brazil to take effect on 1 August.
LatinNews Daily - 09 July 2025
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- BRAZIL: Lula seeks to boost trade with India
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Gov’t extends olive branch to US
- In brief: Chinese firm to take over operations at Ecuador’s largest dam
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s retail sales down in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Gov’t condemns destruction of iconic hotel in gang attack
- In brief: Dominican Republic hails rise in tourism
Mexico
- MEXICO: Peña Nieto investigated over bribes for buying Pegasus malware
- In brief: More stolen fuel seized in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: “Suitcase scandal” under investigation
- In brief: Chile registers monthly deflation
On 8 July Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva hosted India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Brasília, while officials from both governments signed cooperation agreements across a range of sectors such as energy and technological capacity building.
LatinNews Daily - 08 July 2025
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- NICARAGUA/HONDURAS: US ends TPS for Honduras and Nicaragua
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro loses key ally
- In brief: Inflation slows in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula criticises Trump over Brics and Bolsonaro comments
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle production rises in first half of 2025
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Trade figures show impact of Panama banana strikes
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t announces major huachicol bust
- In brief: Mexico sends first livestock exports to US following suspension
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Revving up the chainsaw
- In brief: Argentina places bonds on domestic market
On 7 July the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduras and Nicaragua.
LatinNews Daily - 07 July 2025
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- BRAZIL: Lula kicks off Brics summit in Rio
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Key suspect in assassination attempt arrested
- In brief: Chinese lithium contract hits opposition in Bolivia
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s trade surplus down for third consecutive month
Central America & Caribbean
- SURINAME: National assembly elects country’s first female president
- In brief: Honduras’ ruling party responds to Sedesol scandal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t launches plan to combat extortion
- In brief: Mexico moves to boost electricity generation capacity
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: PJ to present joint electoral list
- In brief: Argentina and India boost ties
Washington Watch
- Venezuela’s former spy chief pleads guilty in US
On 6 July Brazil began hosting the two-day leaders’ summit for the Brics group of developing countries, which comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa before admitting new members in recent years, such as Iran.
LatinNews Daily - 04 July 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Tensions surge with US as ambassadors recalled
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s exports rise
Brazil
- BRAZIL/ARGENTINA: Lula diverges from Milei at Mercosur summit
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle sales up in first half of 2025
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Ruling party faces new scandal
- In brief: Annual inflation down in Dominican Republic
Mexico
- MEXICO: Top Mexican boxer arrested by ICE
- In brief: Mexico’s Ebrard downplays impact of US budget bill
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric pushes for joint electoral list for congress
- In brief: IMF full of praise for Argentina
On 3 July Colombia and the US recalled their ambassadors for consultations amid rising tensions over an alleged plot against President Gustavo Petro, who is dealing with the dispute without a foreign minister after Laura Sarabia unexpectedly resigned yesterday.
LatinNews Daily - 03 July 2025
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- ARGENTINA/REGION: Mercosur seals deal with Europe’s Efta bloc
Andean
- ECUADOR: Noboa concludes diplomatic tour in Italy
- In brief: Bolivia’s inflation surges again
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula reaffirms need for tax hikes
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial production drops in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Prison torture claims set to fan rights concerns
- In brief: Remittances to El Salvador up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t denies security bills permit State spying
- In brief: Vehicle sales down in Mexico
Southern Cone
- In brief: Paraguay posts zero monthly inflation again
On 2 July the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) announced the conclusion of negotiations for a trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (Efta), comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, on the first day of its summit in Argentina.
LatinNews Daily - 02 July 2025
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- COSTA RICA: Top court moves against Chaves
Andean
- VENEZUELA: OHCHR chief declared persona non grata
- In brief: Bolivia’s international reserves tick up
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t challenges congress in court over suspended tax rises
- In brief: Brazil’s government increases funding for agribusiness
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Inflation picks up in Honduras
Mexico
- MEXICO: Congress approves security package
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico down year-on-year in May
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Gov’t seeks to reduce political fragmentation
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity up year-on-year, falls in monthly terms
On 1 July Costa Rica’s supreme court (CSJ) sent a request to the 57-member unicameral legislature to strip President Rodrigo Chaves of his immunity from prosecution to be investigated for corruption.
LatinNews Daily - 01 July 2025
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- ECUADOR: Correa’s former VP sentenced for corruption
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador lands Chinese and Spanish energy investments
Brazil
- BRAZIL: High-profile judge oversees appeal to restore tax hikes
- In brief: Brazil’s primary deficit shrinks year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: US toughens stance on Cuba
- In brief: CAF approves first green liquidity line for Costa Rica
Mexico
- MEXICO: Senate passes national guard bill
- In brief: Mexico hails reduction in US remittance tax proposal
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei suffers big YPF setback
- In brief: Argentina’s economic activity picks up
On 30 June Ecuador’s former vice president Jorge Glas (2013-2017), who served under Rafael Correa (2007-2017), was sentenced to 13 years in prison for corruption.
LatinNews Daily - 30 June 2025
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- CHILE: Jara sweeps primary elections
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Former minister accused of plotting Petro’s removal in US
- In brief: Colombia’s interest rate held amid fiscal concerns
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Attendance down at Bolsonaro rally
- In brief: Brazil’s unemployment rate continues to drop
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: US ends TPS for Haiti
- In brief: IMF releases funds for El Salvador
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t cracks down on fuel theft
- In brief: Fitch downgrades sanctioned Mexican finance firms
Southern Cone
- In brief: Paraguay’s GDP growth picks up in Q1
Washington Watch
- US sanctions TdA leader
On 29 June Jeannette Jara, the former labour minister (2022-2025) in the government of Chile’s President Gabriel Boric, won the primary elections for the ruling left-of-centre coalition.
LatinNews Daily - 27 June 2025
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- GUATEMALA/HONDURAS: Migration deals prove contentious
Andean
- COLOMBIA: High court halts CNE’s campaign finance investigation
- In brief: Colombia downgraded by Moody’s
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Supreme court toughens demands on tech firms for content moderation
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank raises growth forecast, lowers inflation projection
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Dominican Republic posts strong economic activity
Mexico
- MEXICO: Accusations of money laundering trigger bank intervention
- In brief: Mexico cuts interest rate
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei blasts PJ in campaign launch
- In brief: Argentina gov’t reports drop in poverty
On 26 June Guatemala’s government led by President Bernardo Arévalo issued a statement denying that Guatemala had signed a safe third country agreement as part of a Memorandum of Understanding on security with the US.
LatinNews Daily - 26 June 2025
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- ECUADOR: National crime leader ‘Fito’ captured
Andean
- In brief: Labour reform signed into law in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Congress strikes down government’s fiscal measures
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit widens in May
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Widow of murdered exile urges international action
- In brief: Honduras’ private sector highlights business concerns
Mexico
- MEXICO: Lower chamber passes more security legislation
- In brief: US blacklists three Mexican finance firms
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Unions join forces against austerity and deregulation
- In brief: International tourism in Argentina drops in May
On 25 June Ecuadorean security forces captured the country’s most wanted fugitive, José Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias ‘Fito’, who leads the major gang Los Choneros.
LatinNews Daily - 25 June 2025
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- PANAMA: State of emergency in Bocas del Toro extended
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Tighter security for candidates after assassination attempt
- In brief: Colombia’s Ecopetrol declares Lorito oilfield commercially viable
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Defendants diverge on testimony in coup case
- In brief: Trade partners lift Brazilian poultry restrictions
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Warning of US remittance tax impact on Central America
Mexico
- MEXICO: Deputies approve national guard bill
- In brief: Mexico places bonds on international market
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei vetoes Bahía Blanca aid bill
- In brief: IMF outlines reforms to boost Chile’s economy
On 24 June Panama’s government led by President José Raúl Mulino announced it was extending the state of emergency in the banana-growing province of Bocas del Toro for a further five days.
LatinNews Daily - 24 June 2025
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- COSTA RICA: Chaves accused of illicit campaign finance
Andean
- VENEZUELA: González’s son-in-law facing six charges
- In brief: Ecuador announces loan programme for entrepreneurs
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Controversial indigenous land demarcation clause maintained
- In brief: Brazilian think tank reports slight productivity rise in Q1
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Honduras launches major energy tender
Mexico
- MEXICO: More concessions announced for teachers
- In brief: Economic activity rises in Mexico
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Mayor of second city suspended
- In brief: Argentina’s GDP up in Q1
On 23 June Costa Rica’s attorney general’s office formally accused President Rodrigo Chaves and six other top officials of crimes related to illicit campaign finance with regard to the 2022 electoral campaign.
LatinNews Daily - 23 June 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro revives constitutional reform plans amid backlash
Andean
- In brief: Peru trims GDP forecast
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Rio Grande do Sul responds to new flood emergency
- In brief: Brazil reiterates calls for private sector involvement in COP30
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Facing a summer of power cuts
- In brief: Emergency measures declared in response to Panama protests
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t calls for peace in Middle East
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t addresses damage following hurricane
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Fernández clashes with Bullrich
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus down year-on-year
Washington Watch
- US ends parole programme for Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua
On 20 June Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced plans for a referendum to convene a constituent assembly, once again raising tensions with congress, on the same day that his labour reform bill finally cleared its last hurdle in the legislature.
LatinNews Daily - 20 June 2025
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- PANAMA: Mulino seeks order in Bocas del Toro
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Arce accuses Morales of democratic destruction job
- In brief: Colombia joins Brics development bank
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula appeals to evangelical Christians again
- In brief: Brazil declares itself free of bird flu
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama’s Mulino seeks dialogue with FQM
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum demonstrates hurricane preparedness
- In brief: Tourism in Mexico rises in 2024
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric sends key reform to congress
- In brief: Uruguay hails rise in tourism
On 19 June Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino requested that the local population in Bocas del Toro “cooperate” to remove roadblocks and re-establish order in the province, which has been in the grip of protests since April.
LatinNews Daily - 19 June 2025
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- COLOMBIA: High court strikes down Petro’s referendum
Andean
- In brief: Peru announces major roadbuilding project
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Former Bolsonaro adviser arrested in relation to coup case
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank raises interest rates again
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Alarm over ‘accelerated deterioration’ of press freedom
- In brief: Nicaragua’s growth slows in Q1
Mexico
- MEXICO: US sanctions CJNG leadership
- In brief: Warnings of impact in Mexico of US proposed remittance tax
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei expands powers of federal police
- In brief: Argentina’s primary surplus up in monthly terms
On 18 June Colombia’s top administrative court, the Consejo de Estado, issued a preliminary ruling suspending the referendum on labour reform that President Gustavo Petro convened by decree on 11 June.
LatinNews Daily - 18 June 2025
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- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro implicated in illegal spying scheme
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Senate approves labour reform
- In brief: Ecuador’s exports rise
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil grants oil concessions in environmentally sensitive areas
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: TSE official targeted by attorney general’s office
- In brief: Nicaragua approves Chinese loan for digital connectivity
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum-Trump G7 meeting postponed
- In brief: Mexico’s Telcel fined over alleged monopolistic practices
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Fernández granted house arrest
- In brief: Chile holds interest rates
On 17 June Brazil’s federal police (PF) concluded its investigation into the alleged misuse of the surveillance capabilities of the national intelligence agency (Abin) to carry out spying activities for the benefit of former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023).
LatinNews Daily - 17 June 2025
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- MEXICO: Sheinbaum arrives at G7 summit as Trump departs
Andean
- PERU: AG claims coup underway by controversial predecessor
- In brief: Mining investment up in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lawmakers ramp up opposition to gov’t fiscal plans
- In brief: Brazil’s economic activity rises in April
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Cicih MoU extended again
- In brief: Dominican central bank announces cash injection
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s oil industry demands Pemex pay debts to providers
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Tension rises over former president’s arrest
- In brief: Chile’s social security head resigns amid scandal
On 16 June Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum arrived in Canada for the G7 summit where she met with representatives from the country’s business sector but was unable to meet with US President Donald Trump as planned.
LatinNews Daily - 16 June 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Gov’t abandons borrowing limits
Andean
- In brief: Roadblocks paused in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL/REGION: Lula boosts ties with Caribbean countries
- In brief: Brazil’s services sector grows in April
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Banana workers’ rights bill approved
- In brief: Remittances to Honduras pick up
Mexico
- MEXICO: INE ratifies SCJN results
- In brief: Mexico’s Cofece clears Google in anti-trust case
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Fernández to appear before supreme court
- In brief: Paraguay’s foreign trade down in first five months of 2025
Washington Watch
- US condemns attack on Colombian senator
On 13 June Colombia’s Finance Minister Germán Ávila Plazas announced a three-year suspension of the ‘fiscal rule’ that limits government borrowing.
LatinNews Daily - 13 June 2025
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- PERU: PM wins confidence vote in boost for Boluarte
Andean
- In brief: Peru holds interest rates
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Congress signals resistance to government’s fiscal measures
- In brief: Brazil’s retail sales drop in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Mulino responds to US Huawei announcement
- In brief: Domestic commercial flights resume in Haiti
Mexico
- MEXICO: Tensions rise with US over migrant protests
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t announces plan to reduce price of tortillas
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei delivers on inflation
- In brief: Argentina receives more IMF plaudits
On 12 June Peru’s new Prime Minister Eduardo Arana won a confidence vote in congress.
LatinNews Daily - 12 June 2025
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- BOLIVIA: Protests turn deadly
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s Petro convenes referendum amid intense opposition
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court reaches majority on social media liability
- In brief: Brazil’s government announces new fiscal measures
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Deal reached with striking banana workers
- In brief: US to replace Huawei telecoms equipment in Panama
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum introduces new GN bill
- In brief: Heineken announces major investment in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei reaffirms support for Israel
- In brief: Argentina’s central bank completes new repurchase agreement
On 11 June three Bolivian police officers and a demonstrator were killed during protests by supporters of former president Evo Morales (2006-2019).
LatinNews Daily - 11 June 2025
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- ARGENTINA: Fernández banned from politics as CSJN upholds conviction
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Wave of bombings hits the southwest
- In brief: Bolivia’s agriculture sector tallies cost of roadblocks
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro denies plotting coup
- In brief: Brazil’s inflation slows in May
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Police under further pressure over protest response
- In brief: Dominican Republic’s exports up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum rejects claim of encouraging LA violence
- In brief: Fitch warns Mexico facing recession
Southern Cone
- In brief: Manufacturing and construction up in Argentina
On 10 June Argentina’s supreme court (CSJN) rejected an appeal by former president Cristina Fernández (2007-2015), confirming a corruption conviction that carries a six-year prison sentence and a lifetime ban on holding public office.
LatinNews Daily - 10 June 2025
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- MEXICO: US hones in on Los Chapitos
Andean
- BOLIVIA: New investigation into Morales over roadblocks
- In brief: Inflation rises in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro’s former aide testifies against him
- In brief: Brazilian market experts raise growth forecast
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Gov’t downplays Mexico incursion
- In brief: Mulino claims cost overruns in Panama Canal bridge project
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s annual inflation accelerates, exceeds target range
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Fernández lashes out amid conviction speculation
- In brief: Argentina’s central bank unveils measures to boost foreign reserves
On 9 June the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (Ofac) announced sanctions targeting Los Chapitos, a faction of Mexico’s Cártel de Sinaloa that the US claims bears primary responsibility for the illicit fentanyl trade.
LatinNews Daily - 9 June 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Presidential pre-candidate in grave condition after attack
Andean
- In brief: Inflation surges again in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula affirms green ambitions
- In brief: Brazilian airline Gol exits bankruptcy
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Another Bukele critic arrested
- In brief: Rise in mobile internet fees in Cuba stokes concerns
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t rejects OAS concerns over judicial elections
- In brief: Teachers prepare new stage of protests in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Ruling party gains ground in Misiones elections
- In brief: Annual inflation ticks down in Chile
Washington Watch
- Mexico rejects US supreme court ruling on arms lawsuit
On 7 June a Colombian senator and presidential pre-candidate, Miguel Uribe Turbay, was left in a critical condition after being shot in the head.
LatinNews Daily - 6 June 2025
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- HAITI/REGION: Haiti responds to US travel ban
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro accused of breaching constitutional order
- In brief: Bolivia counts the costs of roadblocks
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula repeats calls for EU-Mercosur deal in Paris
- In brief: Brazil’s trade surplus down in May
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Guatemala boosts ties with Taiwan
Mexico
- MEXICO: US strikes blow to arms trafficking lawsuit
- In brief: Mexico reports more job losses in May
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Fernández and Kicillof discuss electoral unity
- In brief: Argentina introduces ‘fiscal innocence’ bill
On 5 June Haiti’s foreign ministry issued a statement saying it was “working to find a rapid solution” to the day-earlier decision by the US administration led by President Donald Trump to impose a complete travel ban on nationals from Haiti, along with Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
LatinNews Daily - 5 June 2025
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- MEXICO: Morena looks set to dominate key courts
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Gov’t announces legal action against Morales
- In brief: President of Colombia’s state oil company investigated
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court resumes online regulation case
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras applies for Ivory Coast oil exploration
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Prominent rights activist formally charged
- In brief: Panama teachers’ pay suspended over strikes
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico threatens countermeasures over US metal tariffs
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Protesters unite against austerity measures
- In brief: Chile signs deal with Google for trans-Pacific cable
On 4 June Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum called on the newly elected supreme court (SCJN) justices to be an example of “a profound transformation of the judicial power”, as the composition of the top court looks to heavily favour the ruling Movimiento Regeneración Nacional (Morena).
LatinNews Daily - 4 June 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro to convene referendum by decree
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s gov’t mulls tax reform as it looks to cut costs
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Convicted far-right lawmaker suspected of fleeing justice
- In brief: IMF raises growth forecast for Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: ‘Historic’ civil war convictions handed down
- In brief: Remittances to Nicaragua slow
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t to seek exemption from new US steel tariffs
- In brief: Private sector cuts Mexico’s 2025 growth forecast
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric under pressure over medical leave scandal
- In brief: Paraguay’s inflation slows in May
On 3 June Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro confirmed that he will issue a decree convening a referendum on his labour and health reform proposals, sidelining the senate which has rejected the referendum.
LatinNews Daily - 3 June 2025
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- GUATEMALA: Arrest orders for top Colombian officials draw outrage
Andean
- ECUADOR: Relatives of major drug trafficker Fito arrested
- In brief: Morales’ followers block roads in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lower house makes progress on environmental legislation
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras lowers gasoline prices
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: IMF approves new loan for Costa Rica
Mexico
- MEXICO: Police killed in Chiapas
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico down in April
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Fernández throws her hat into different ring
- In brief: Chile’s economic growth up again
On 2 June Guatemala’s attorney general’s office announced arrest warrants for Colombia’s Attorney General (AG) Luz Adriana Camargo, a former prosecutor with the now-defunct United Nations (UN)-backed anti-corruption commission in Guatemala (Cicig), and Colombia’s ambassador to the Vatican, Ivan Velásquez, a former defence minister (2022-2025), who served as Cicig’s commissioner (2013-2019).
LatinNews Daily - 2 June 2025
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- MEXICO: Judicial elections hailed as success despite low turnout
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Opposition concern as US revokes humanitarian parole
- In brief: IMF calls for urgent measures in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro political heirs jockey for position
- In brief: Brazil’s GDP growth accelerates in Q1
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Journalists’ murders spark concern
- In brief: Panama gov’t greenlights Cobre Panamá mine maintenance plan
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s unemployment rate up in monthly terms
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric hails achievements in congress address
- In brief: Argentina’s Milei claims reserves target ‘not a problem’
Washington Watch
- Rubio meets with Venezuelan opposition figures
On 1 June voters across Mexico went to the polls to elect thousands of members of the federal and local judiciary, in the country’s first-ever judicial elections.
LatinNews Daily - 30 May 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: Alarm over arrests of community activists
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Gov’t attempts to defer fiscal reckoning until 2026
- In brief: Ecuador’s Noboa meets with international lenders
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula seeks to appease MST social movement
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras to invest in fleet expansion
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Nicaragua authorises more Chinese loans
Mexico
- MEXICO: Musicians murdered in alleged cartel killing
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico eyes further rate cuts despite uncertainty
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Government cracks down on Tren de Aragua
- In brief: Unemployment up in Chile
On 29 May international human rights NGO Amnesty International (AI) expressed alarm over the arrests in El Salvador of José Ángel Pérez, the president of El Bosque cooperative, a rural community from Santa Tecla municipality, La Libertad department, and the cooperative’s legal adviser, Alejandro Henríquez, a member of environmental NGO Foro del Agua.
LatinNews Daily - 29 May 2025
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- MEXICO: Campaigns close ahead of judicial elections
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Low turnout at demonstrations in support of labour reform
- In brief: Ecuador receives CAF loan
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Supreme court justice De Moraes in crosshairs of US
- In brief: Brazilian airline Azul files for bankruptcy in US
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Chaves signs extradition law
- In brief: Guatemala trade delegation in US amid Trump tariff setback
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico slashes growth forecast
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric seeks to ease access to abortion
- In brief: Argentina sells peso-denominated bonds
On 28 May campaigns closed in Mexico ahead of the unprecedented judicial elections on 1 June, which will see the public elect over 2,600 members of the federal and local judiciary.
LatinNews Daily - 28 May 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Labour reform makes progress in senate ahead of strikes
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s Noboa makes few cabinet changes as he begins new term
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Tensions rise over Amazon oil exploration plans
- In brief: More legal pressure on BYD car plant in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Gov’t declares state of emergency in Bocas del Toro
- In brief: El Salvador and IMF reach staff-level agreement
Mexico
- MEXICO: US maintains suspension of livestock imports
- In brief: Mexico’s unemployment rate remains steady in Q1
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Gov’t to investigate misuse of medical leave
- In brief: Spain’s BBVA to issue new dollar-denominated debt in Argentina
On 27 May a commission in Colombia’s senate approved the labour reform bill submitted by President Gustavo Petro’s government, paving the way for a plenary vote as tensions continue to soar between Petro and congress over the legislation.
LatinNews Daily - 27 May 2025
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- VENEZUELA: PSUV extends control as opposition boycotts election
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s gov’t unveils measures to boost struggling economy
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro’s son investigated for alleged judicial intimidation
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit down in April
Central America & Caribbean
- SURINAME: Election ends in deadlock
- In brief: Costa Rica hails banana firm as port client
Mexico
- MEXICO: Tensions rise over teachers’ protests
- In brief: Mexico posts trade deficit in April
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Fears over government surveillance
- In brief: International tourism to Argentina continues to drop
On 25 May Venezuela’s national electoral council (CNE) announced that the ruling Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV) had dominated that day’s regional and legislative elections, which were largely boycotted by the opposition.
LatinNews Daily - 23 May 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Opposition divided over election boycott
Andean
- In brief: Venezuela-Panama flights resume
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Government announces budget freeze
- In brief: Brazil urges neighbours to cooperate on gas
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: New draft constitution draws criticism
- In brief: Banana firm announces mass layoffs in Panama
Mexico
- MEXICO: Further blow to García Luna
- In brief: Mexico hails record FDI in Q1 2025
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei makes pitch for ‘dollars under mattress’
- In brief: Argentina opens bidding for gas pipeline project
Publishing Note
- Publishing Note
On 22 May Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro announced that more than 50 “mercenaries” have been arrested ahead of the 25 May legislative and regional elections, in which the main opposition coalition is refusing to participate.
LatinNews Daily - 22 May 2025
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- ARGENTINA: Gov’t cracks down on strike action
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Gov’t infighting resumes at crucial moment
- In brief: International lenders arrive in Ecuador for talks
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Senate passes controversial environmental bill
- In brief: Brazil’s bird flu outbreak met with more import restrictions
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Union leader seeks asylum in Bolivia, claims political persecution
- In brief: Honduras’ remittances slow in monthly terms
Mexico
- MEXICO: Teachers blockade national palace
- In brief: Mexico shores up ties with Spain
Southern Cone
- In brief: Argentina’s economic growth falls in monthly terms
On 21 May Argentina’s government led by President Javier Milei issued a decree limiting the right to strike for multiple sectors, while security forces violently repressed protests by pensioners outside the congress building in Buenos Aires.
LatinNews Daily - 21 May 2025
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- BOLIVIA: Morales to miss elections as deadline passes
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador pushes for more Chinese investment
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Military officers to stand trial for coup attempt
- In brief: Brazilian airline Gol seals debt restructuring plan
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Legislature greenlights controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill
- In brief: Panama’s growth up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Shock as two key Mexico City officials gunned down
- In brief: Mexico’s Ebrard hails reduction in US vehicle tariffs
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei shutters unit investigating crypto scandal
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus shrinks in April
On 20 May allies of Bolivia’s former president Evo Morales (2006-2019) announced protests and a legal challenge after he was unable to register as a candidate for the 17 August general elections.
LatinNews Daily - 20 May 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: Arrest and disappearance of leading activist draws outrage
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Gov’t pressures senate to reconsider referendum
- In brief: First mining consent process concluded in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Witness hearings begin in Bolsonaro coup trial
- In brief: Economic activity up in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Nicaragua’s trade deficit shrinks
Mexico
- MEXICO: New US ambassador sets out priorities
- In brief: Mexico’s beef exports to US down following ban
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei calls for electoral alliance to defeat Kirchnerismo
- In brief: Chile’s GDP up in Q1
On 19 May El Salvador’s attorney general’s office (FGR) announced the arrest of Ruth López, one of the country’s most prominent human rights activists, on embezzlement charges.
LatinNews Daily - 19 May 2025
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- ARGENTINA: Milei delivers dagger blow to Macri
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Del Castillo named as MAS candidate
- In brief: Colombia seeks entry to Brics development bank
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bird flu case prompts export bans
- In brief: Brazil’s unemployment rate up in quarterly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Outrage over proposed law banning dual citizenship
- In brief: Guyana approves oil spill bill
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t responds to navy ship crash
- In brief: Mexican teachers’ union rejects salary hike
Southern Cone
- In brief: Paraguay’s quarterly unemployment rate rises
Washington Watch
- Cártel de Sinaloa leaders charged in the US
On 18 May President Javier Milei struck a telling blow in the battle for supremacy on the right of the political spectrum in Argentina as his La Libertad Avanza (LLA) came out on top in the legislative elections in the City of Buenos Aires (Caba).
LatinNews Daily - 16 May 2025
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- PANAMA: Human rights investigations launched over protest response
Andean
- ECUADOR: Military to target Colombian guerrilla groups
- In brief: Colombia’s GDP up in Q1
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Annual deforestation falls in almost every biome
- In brief: Brazil raises grain harvest forecast
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Haiti’s main hydroelectric plant down amid other energy woes
Mexico
- MEXICO: More tensions over US security intervention
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico continues to lower interest rate
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Campaigning closes ahead of key elections
- In brief: Chile advances in US trade talks
On 15 May Panama’s human rights ombudsman Eduardo Leblanc announced that his office had six investigations open for possible human rights violations in relation to the protests which have been taking place amid a general strike since 23 April.
LatinNews Daily - 15 May 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Senate rejects referendum on labour reform
Andean
- In brief: New PM appointed in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Far-right lawmaker convicted for cyberattack
- In brief: Brazil’s services sector grows in March
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Chaves slams arrests over airport corruption scandal
- In brief: Panama Canal Authority reveals five-year investment plan
Mexico
- MEXICO: High-profile femicide case sparks concern
- In brief: Mexico condemns US proposal to tax remittances
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei cracks down on migration
- In brief: Argentina’s inflation slows in April
On 14 May Colombia’s senate voted against holding a referendum sought by President Gustavo Petro’s government on its labour reform proposals.
LatinNews Daily - 14 May 2025
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- BOLIVIA: Arce drops plans for re-election
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s PM, finance minister, and interior minister step down
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t inks more deals with China
- In brief: Brazil’s interest rates expected to remain high
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele proposes ‘foreign agents’ bill
- In brief: IMF hails Costa Rica’s ‘remarkable’ growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: USMCA negotiations likely to be brought forward
- In brief: Mexico hails air passenger growth
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Region mourns death of former president Mujica
- In brief: Chile’s Boric boosts ties with China’s Xi
On 13 May Bolivia’s President Luis Arce announced that he will not stand again for the presidency in the 17 August general elections.
LatinNews Daily - 13 May 2025
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- BRAZIL/REGION: Lula and regional leaders deepen China ties
Andean
- ECUADOR: Investigation advances into massacre of soldiers
- In brief: Peru announces port modernisation plan
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras posts higher profit in Q1
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Leading union denounces arrests as protests continue
- In brief: Cuba’s inflation continues to slow
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t in the dark over US-Guzmán deal
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum renews anti-inflation plan
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Rift on the right deepens
- In brief: Paraguay lowers fuel prices
On 12 May Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attended a bilateral business event in Beijing, ahead of the multilateral forum taking place today (13 May) to promote ties between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac).
LatinNews Daily - 12 May 2025
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- BOLIVIA: Arce faces last-minute challenge for MAS candidacy
Andean
- In brief: Poverty declines in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula shores up ties with Russia in Moscow
- In brief: Brazil’s inflation slows in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Martinelli arrives in Colombia under political asylum
- In brief: Banana firm warns of irreversible impact of Panama strike
Mexico
- MEXICO: US suspends livestock imports amid screwworm outbreak
- In brief: Mexico’s vehicle production, exports and sales fall in April
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: FA retains Montevideo in local elections
- In brief: Argentina raises minimum wage
Washington Watch
- US announces 'significant blow' against Mexico’s Cártel de Sinaloa
On 10 May Bolivia’s ruling left-wing Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) suspended a party congress due to be held the following day at which it had been due to announce its presidential candidate, as President Luis Arce comes under mounting pressure from the senate president, Andrónico Rodríguez.
LatinNews Daily - 9 May 2025
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- PANAMA: Mulino stands firm as protests continue
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Opposition revels in embassy escape
- In brief: Peru cuts interest rate
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t expresses concern over Amazon deforestation
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle production up in April
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Guatemala’s AG targets key port in latest move against Arévalo
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum hails economic strength at banking convention
- In brief: Mexico’s inflation continues to edge up
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei and Macri at loggerheads
- In brief: Inflation slows in Chile
On 8 May Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino said that there was nothing to negotiate with unions who have been staging a national strike since 23 April in rejection of the recently approved social security (CSS) reform, and security agreements struck last month with the US government led by President Donald Trump.
LatinNews Daily - 8 May 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Former heads of congress arrested over UNGRD corruption
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s gov’t presents AI regulation bill
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Relief for Bolsonaro ally accused of plotting coup
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank slows rate hike cycle
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Construction begins on major mine
- In brief: Cuba and Russia shore up relations
Mexico
- MEXICO: Protests over arrest of Teuchitlán mayor
- In brief: Mexico business lobby boosts ties in US
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Boost for Peronists as senate rejects key bill
- In brief: Argentine state oil firm YPF posts net loss in Q1
On 7 May Colombian police arrested former senate president Iván Name (2023-2024) and former president of the lower chamber of congress Andrés Calle (2023-2024) in relation to a corruption scandal at the government’s disaster risk management unit (UNGRD).
LatinNews Daily - 7 May 2025
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- VENEZUELA: US announces ‘rescue’ of hostages from Argentine embassy
Andean
- In brief: Profits fall at Colombia’s Ecopetrol
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court accepts charges against more alleged coup plotters
- In brief: Brazil’s former central bank chief to join Nubank
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Alarm over possible journalist arrests
- In brief: Banana firm warns of strike losses as Panama protests spread
Mexico
- MEXICO: Ovidio Guzmán reportedly seeking plea-bargaining deal
- In brief: GFCF down again in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Bullrich jumps ship to join LLA
- In brief: IMF funds used to settle Argentina debt
On 6 May US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the “rescue” of Venezuelan dissidents who had been sheltering at the Argentine embassy in Caracas since March 2024.
LatinNews Daily - 6 May 2025
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- HAITI: US designates Haiti gangs as foreign terrorist organisations
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Senate leader rejects Petro’s referendum pressure
- In brief: Peru’s Boluarte takes measures after 13 miners killed
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula continues cabinet reshuffle
- In brief: Brazil’s oil and gas production up in March
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Five bus company heads arrested in El Salvador
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum seeks to defuse US tensions
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico increase
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Mercosur sounds positive notes
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity rises in March
On 2 May the US administration led by President Donald Trump announced it was designating two Haitian gangs, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as foreign terrorist organisations.
LatinNews Daily - 2 May 2025
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- COLOMBIA/REGION: Petro throws down gauntlet to mark Workers’ Day
Andean
- In brief: Venezuela claims dramatic GDP growth
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Big tent party PSD seeks to win over more governors
- In brief: Brazilian airline Gol reaches new deal with creditors
Central America & Caribbean
- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Persad-Bissessar takes office
- In brief: Workers' Day demands vary across Central America
Mexico
- MEXICO: US targets CJNG’s fuel theft network
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t pledges to reduce working week
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Presidential candidates present labour proposals
- In brief: Chile’s Boric hails minimum wage hike
Publishing Note
- Publishing Note
On 1 May Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro presented the senate with the questions for his planned referendum on labour reform, as demonstrations were held across Latin America to mark International Workers’ Day.
LatinNews Daily - 1 May 2025
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- PANAMA: Opposition unites against US security agreements
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Arrest warrant against Morales lifted
- In brief: Colombia cuts interest rate
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Blame game escalates over social security agency scandal
- In brief: Brazil’s unemployment continues to rise
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Dominican Republic and Russia boost ties
Mexico
- MEXICO: Changes to US vehicle tariffs ‘beneficial’, says gov’t
- In brief: Mexico’s GDP up in Q1 despite recession fears
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Unions march against austerity
- In brief: Chile’s industrial production up in March
On 30 April opposition leaders including former president Martín Torrijos (Partido Revolucionario Democrático, PRD, 2004-2009), and civil society groups signed a joint declaration condemning agreements recently signed by Panama’s government led by President José Raúl Mulino with the US regarding security and the Panama Canal.
LatinNews Daily - 30 April 2025
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- CUBA: Prominent dissidents sent back to prison
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Opposition divided as new election campaigns begin
- In brief: Poverty declines in Venezuela
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Major conservative parties to unite in federation
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras posts quarterly rise in production
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Guatemalan indigenous groups lift blockades amid gov’t deal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Relatives of disappeared clash with attorney general
- In brief: Mexico’s Televisa records Q1 profit drop
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Gov’t faces renewed pressure over crypto scandal
- In brief: Chile’s central bank holds interest rates amid global uncertainty
On 29 April two leading Cuban dissidents, José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro, were returned to prison.
LatinNews Daily - 29 April 2025
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- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Opposition claims electoral victory
Andean
- ECUADOR/REGION: Concern grows over yellow fever outbreak
- In brief: Minimum wage raised in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Foreign minister defends multilateralism in Brics meeting
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit decreases in March
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama private sector lobby warns of strike losses
Mexico
- MEXICO: Agreement reached on US water deliveries
- In brief: Mexico’s trade surplus up in March
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Tohá receives boost as Vodanovic pulls out
- In brief: Argentina’s opposition demands investigation into IMF head
On 28 April Trinidad & Tobago’s main opposition party United National Congress (UNC) led by former prime minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar (2010-2015), claimed victory in a general election which took place the same day, ending a decade of rule by the People’s National Movement (PNM).
LatinNews Daily - 28 April 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Armed groups step up attacks
Andean
- In brief: Venezuelan economy contracts in Q1, says think tank
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Former president Collor de Mello arrested for corruption
- In brief: Brazil’s mid-month inflation slows in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Judge moves against Arévalo allies
- In brief: El Salvador’s Bukele proposes minimum wage rise
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum backtracks on controversial telecoms bill
- In brief: Economic activity up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Bidding farewell to Pope Francis
- In brief: International tourism to Argentina down in March
Washington Watch
- Rubio congratulates Ecuador’s Noboa on his election win
On 27 April six Colombian soldiers were killed in a suspected ambush by a dissident unit of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (Farc) guerrilla group, in the latest in a string of attacks against authorities around the country.
LatinNews Daily - 25 April 2025
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- PANAMA: Mulino under pressure over strikes
Andean
- COLOMBIA: High court suspends investigation into Petro’s campaign finance
- In brief: Shell withdraws from Colombian offshore gas projects
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Setback for 8 January rioter amnesty bill
- In brief: Brazil’s Vale posts year-on-year drop in net profit
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Guatemala resolves agriculture dispute with Peru
Mexico
- MEXICO: Member of famous Jalisco search collective killed
- In brief: Mexico’s Grupo Modelo unveils investment
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Peronists accuse IMF of electoral interference
- In brief: Chile’s competition authority approves Codelco-SQM deal
On 24 April Panama’s leading teachers’ association Asociación de Profesores (Asoprof) staged a second day of an indefinite strike in protest over the recently approved social security (CSS) reform, among other issues.
LatinNews Daily - 24 April 2025
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- GUATEMALA: Tensions set to rise as Arévalo ally arrested
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro denies drug addiction claims
- In brief: Peru and Guatemala advance with FTA
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula pushes for reform of security institutions
- In brief: Brazil’s social security head dismissed over alleged corruption
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama’s Mulino mulling way forward for Cobre Panamá mine
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t to challenge judicial candidates with criminal links
- In brief: World Bank cuts Mexico’s growth forecast
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: University workers strike
- In brief: Uruguay’s government expresses fiscal concerns
On 23 April Guatemalan authorities arrested Luis Pacheco, the country’s deputy energy & mining minister, on accusations of terrorism and illicit association.
LatinNews Daily - 23 April 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Gov’t unveils referendum questions
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s former president Vizcarra accused of corruption
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Centre-right lawmaker rejects invitation to join gov’t
- In brief: Brazilian market experts lower inflation forecast
Central America & Caribbean
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Gov’t cracks down on undocumented Haitians
- In brief: Remittances to Honduras up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum rejects IMF recession forecast
- In brief: Mexico’s economic activity stagnates in March
Southern Cone
- CHILE/BRAZIL: Boric seeks regional integration with Lula
- In brief: Argentina’s economy continues to grow
On 22 April Colombia’s government announced 12 proposals for labour reform that it intends to put to voters in a referendum.
LatinNews Daily - 22 April 2025
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- EL SALVADOR/VENEZUELA: Bukele offers Venezuela prisoner swap
Andean
- ECUADOR: Gov’t warns of assassination plot against Noboa
- In brief: Teachers protest in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: More protests against police in São Paulo
- In brief: Brazil predicts lower sugar cane harvest
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Cuba’s inflation slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: US anti-migration advert sparks backlash
- In brief: Mexico unveils new bill to simplify bureaucracy
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Arson attack on Chinese hydroelectric project
- In brief: Uruguay’s housing minister resigns amid controversy
On 20 April El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele offered to exchange 252 Venezuelan migrants deported from the US to El Salvador, where they are being held at the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (Cecot) mega-prison, in exchange for the same number of political prisoners held in Venezuela.
LatinNews Daily - 17 April 2025
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- ECUADOR: Noboa sets the stage with cabinet reshuffle
Andean
- In brief: Large increase in Ecuador’s tax revenue
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Annual drop in forest fires boosts green optics
- In brief: International tourism surges in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Supreme court to rule on US military presence
- In brief: New rig set to boost Guyana’s oil output
Mexico
- MEXICO: Concern over US military land transfer in border region
- In brief: Fitch affirms Mexico’s ‘stable’ outlook but notes risks
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Francos hails economy, evades scandal in congress report
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus down year-on-year
Publishing Note
- Publishing Note
On 16 April Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa carried out a partial cabinet reshuffle that saw Sariha Moya appointed as the new finance minister, replacing Luis Alberto Jaramillo, who had only been in the role since February.
LatinNews Daily - 16 April 2025
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- PERU: Ex-president Humala sentenced for money laundering
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s GDP down in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Spat with Spain over rejected extradition requests
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t to aim for primary surplus in 2026
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: UN calls for Garifuna protection
- In brief: Dominican Republic receives record tourists in Q1
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t responds to US tomato tariff threats
- In brief: Mexico refutes car maker Honda relocation reports
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: CGT announces fresh protest action
- In brief: Argentina’s foreign reserves swell following IMF disbursement
On 15 April Peru’s former president Ollanta Humala (2011-2016) was handed a 15-year prison sentence for money laundering.
LatinNews Daily - 15 April 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: Bukele refuses to release man deported in error
Andean
- ECUADOR: González’s fraud claims fall flat as region congratulates Noboa
- In brief: Venezuela claims rising oil production despite sanctions
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Boost for far-right rioter amnesty bill
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula expands income tax exemption threshold
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Dominican gov’t backs tighter building regulations following tragedy
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum tries to ward off teachers' strike
- In brief: US imposes tariffs on Mexican tomatoes
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Peso floats as Bessent pledges US support
- In brief: Argentina places debt on domestic market
On 14 April, during a meeting at the White House, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele told US President Donald Trump that his government would not release a man deported in error last month and held in the country’s ‘Terrorism Containment Centre’ (Cecot) mega-prison.
LatinNews Daily - 14 April 2025
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- ECUADOR: Noboa re-elected with strong lead over González
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s Boluarte avoids impeachment trial over ‘Rolexgate’
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Food inflation reverses downwards trend
- In brief: Brazil’s economic activity rises in February
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Ábrego García case looms over Bukele-Trump talks
- In brief: IMF reaches new staff-level agreement with Honduras
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum seeks resolution to US water dispute
- In brief: Industrial production up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei relaxes currency controls as IMF approves deal
- In brief: Monthly inflation continues to rise in Argentina
Washington Watch
- Region responds to US tariffs
On 13 April Ecuador’s national electoral council (CNE) declared President Daniel Noboa the winner of that day’s presidential run-off election between him and Luisa González.
LatinNews Daily - 11 April 2025
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- ARGENTINA: General strike marks renewed opposition to Milei austerity
Andean
- ECUADOR: Campaigns close ahead of election
- In brief: Peruvian transport workers on strike over insecurity
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula appoints new communications minister
- In brief: Brazil’s services sector grows in February
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Mulino rules out US military bases
- In brief: Teachers stage protests in Guatemala
Mexico
- MEXICO: Tensions rise over water treaty
- In brief: International tourism in Mexico down in monthly terms
Southern Cone
- In brief: Argentina renews China currency swap line
On 10 April Argentine workers staged a general strike that paralysed large swathes of the country and marked a renewed wave of protests against President Javier Milei’s austerity measures.
LatinNews Daily - 10 April 2025
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- BRAZIL/REGION: Lula affirms calls for unity at Celac summit
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Opposition coalition fractures as Doria named candidate
- In brief: Venezuela’s opposition questions declaration of economic emergency
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s retail sales rise in February
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Gov’t moving on El Salvador-inspired jail
- In brief: US revokes licences for Trinidad-Venezuela gas projects
Mexico
- MEXICO: Violence continues in Guerrero despite gov’t claims
- In brief: Mexico’s inflation picks up in March
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: More protests as unions prepare for general strike
- In brief: Manufacturing and construction up in Argentina
On 10 April Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gave at speech at the summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) in Honduras in which he criticised the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.
LatinNews Daily - 9 April 2025
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- PANAMA: US defence secretary visits amid Canal tensions
Andean
- COLOMBIA/REGION: Petro urges unified response to tariffs
- In brief: Economic emergency declared in Venezuela
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Minister resigns amid corruption allegations
- In brief: Brazil’s primary deficit down in yearly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Investigations underway into Dominican nightclub tragedy
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t rebuffs UN enforced disappearance committee
- In brief: Car companies to remain in Mexico, says Sheinbaum
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei reaches preliminary deal with IMF
- In brief: Chile’s inflation up in March
On 8 April US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth met Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino during a three-day visit to Panama.
LatinNews Daily - 8 April 2025
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- COSTA RICA: Chaves accused of corruption
Andean
- ECUADOR: Prison guards killed ahead of election
- In brief: Inflation slows in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Indigenous movement reiterates land rights concerns
- In brief: E-commerce giant MercadoLibre boosts investment in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama Canal ports audit flags irregularities
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t blame game over music festival tragedy
- In brief: Mexico’s vehicle exports drop in Q1
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei defeat sealed as judge resigns from top court
- In brief: Uruguay’s Orsi boosts ties with Panama
On 7 April Costa Rica’s Attorney General Carlo Díaz filed a formal accusation before the supreme court (CSJ) against President Rodrigo Chaves and Culture Minister Jorge Rodríguez Vives, charging them with corruption.
LatinNews Daily - 7 April 2025
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- COLOMBIA: US takes fresh aim at Petro
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador receives record remittances in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: More governors attend Bolsonaro rally
- In brief: Brazil’s trade surplus rises in March
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA/EL SALVADOR: Costa Rican minister tours Cecot mega jail
- In brief: Panama analysing impact of US tariffs
Mexico
- MEXICO: Authorities hail Sinaloa arrests
- In brief: Mexico imposes anti-dumping duty on steel nails from China
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Election line-up takes shape
- In brief: Paraguay’s opposition slams suspension of Itaipú talks
Washington Watch
- Rubio tours Caribbean
On 5 April Colombia’s government disputed the account put forward by US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem of her 27 March meeting with President Gustavo Petro, who she said had defended criminals and criticised US President Donald Trump.
LatinNews Daily - 4 April 2025
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- MEXICO: Sheinbaum buoyant despite tariff challenges
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Elections convened for August
- In brief: World Bank approves loan for education spending in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: New rules imposed on Rio police operations
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle sales rise in March
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Opposition figures hail ‘landmark’ UN report
- In brief: Nicaragua, region mull response to US tariffs
Mexico
- In brief: GFCF continues to fall in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei suffers senate blow
- In brief: Carmaker VW announces new investment in Argentina
On 3 April Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the country’s exemption from the “reciprocal tariffs” implemented by US President Donald Trump the previous day and announced an 18-point plan to strengthen Mexico’s economy.
LatinNews Daily - 3 April 2025
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- MEXICO/REGION: Caution dominates regional tariff response
Andean
- ECUADOR: Drug trafficker ‘Fito’ indicted in US
- In brief: Bolivia begins transporting Argentine gas to Brazil
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court rejects pre-trial detention for Bolsonaro
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial production down slightly in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Mass protests against violence
- In brief: Denmark’s Maersk acquires Panama Canal railway
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s agricultural sector receives boost
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei criticised over Falklands comments
- In brief: Paraguay’s inflation accelerates in March
On 2 April US President Donald Trump announced that Mexico would not be subject to his new 10% global baseline tariff, which has been levied against imports from other countries in the region, as well as higher rates of 38%, 15%, and 18% targeting Guyana, Venezuela, and Nicaragua respectively.
LatinNews Daily - 2 April 2025
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- ECUADOR: Noboa meets Trump ahead of 13 April polls
Andean
- In brief: Peru unveils infrastructure investment plans
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t and opposition unite behind tariff retaliation bill
- In brief: Brazil’s oil and gas production up in February
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: UN condemns Mirebalais attack as security situation worsens
- In brief: Honduras’ inflation slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t lowers 2025 growth forecast amid tariff concerns
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico drop
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY/BRAZIL: Tensions rise over suspected spying incident
- In brief: Chile boosts economic ties with India
On 1 April Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, who is running for re-election, said he had enjoyed a “positive” meeting last weekend with his US counterpart Donald Trump to discuss various issues, including security and migration.
LatinNews Daily - 1 April 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: US deports more alleged TdA and MS-13 members
Andean
- PERU: Government announces ‘deregulation shock’
- In brief: Colombia holds interest rates
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gig workers hold nationwide strike
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras lowers diesel prices
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: FQM halts arbitration proceedings against Panama
Mexico
- MEXICO: More US talks as tariff deadline approaches
- In brief: Leading Mexican private sector lobby boosts ties with Europe
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: IMF open to early loan payment
- In brief: Sharp drop in Argentina’s poverty rate
On 31 March the US and Salvadorean governments announced that a further 17 people allegedly linked to Venezuelan criminal organisation Tren de Aragua (TdA) and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), one of two main street gangs in Central America, had been transferred from the US to El Salvador’s ‘Terrorism Containment Centre’ (Cecot), a 40,000-capacity mega prison.
LatinNews Daily - 31 March 2025
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- MEXICO: Sheinbaum meets with top US official
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Caracas claims it is ready for withdrawal of oil licences
- In brief: Peru’s imports up in first two months of 2025
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula shores up ties with Vietnam
- In brief: Brazil’s job creation up in February
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA/COLOMBIA: Presidents meet to discuss migration and energy
- In brief: El Salvador’s quarterly growth picks up
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s unemployment rate holds steady year-on-year
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric starts India tour amid uncertainty
- In brief: Paraguay records solid 2024 growth
Washington Watch
- US designates Argentina's former president for corruption
On 28 March Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum received US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to discuss migration and security issues including drug trafficking.
LatinNews Daily - 28 March 2025
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- VENEZUELA/GUYANA: Foreign minister defiant over Essequibo dispute
Andean
- In brief: IMF hails Peru’s strong recovery
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Central bank signals bleaker economic outlook
- In brief: Brazil’s monthly primary deficit shrinks year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Martinelli granted safe passage to Nicaragua
- In brief: CAF approves new Honduras loan
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t responds to US automobile tariffs
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico continues interest rate cuts
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Caputo reveals size of IMF deal
- In brief: Argentina’s external debt drops
On 27 March Venezuela’s foreign minister Yván Gil rejected comments made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who warned that Venezuela would be making a “big mistake” if it decided to launch a military attack on Guyana, its eastern neighbour.
LatinNews Daily - 27 March 2025
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- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro to stand trial over coup allegations
Andean
- PERU: Fujimori’s party facing new legal threat
- In brief: National emergency declared in Bolivia due to heavy rains
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit widens in February
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele hosts top US security official
- In brief: Rubio reaffirms ties with Jamaica on Caribbean tour
Mexico
- MEXICO: Authorities arrest more US targets
- In brief: Mexico’s car lobby highlights uncertainty over US tariffs
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Opposition fails in another impeachment attempt
- In brief: Pensions and child benefits increased in Argentina
On 26 March a panel of five justices on Brazil’s supreme court (STF) ruled in favour of holding a trial for former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) and some of his allies who have been accused of plotting of military coup in 2022.
LatinNews Daily - 26 March 2025
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- PERU: Boluarte convenes elections for April 2026
Andean
- In brief: Three new port terminals planned in Peruvian Amazon
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court begins review of Bolsonaro coup charges
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t seeks to boost farming exports to Japan
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Murillo named co-head of military
- In brief: El Salvador’s congress approves new IDB loan
Mexico
- MEXICO: Congress upholds immunity on rape charges
- In brief: Mexico’s Ebrard continues US trade negotiations
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Gov’t faces slew of protest action
- In brief: Argentina boosts ties with France
On 25 March Peru’s President Dina Boluarte announced that general elections will be held on 12 April 2026.
LatinNews Daily - 25 March 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Trump announces secondary tariffs on oil clients
Andean
- In brief: New interior minister appointed in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Pressure rising on high-profile Bolsonarista lawmaker
- In brief: Brazilian airline Gol secures exit financing deal
Central America & Caribbean
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC/HAITI: Abinader gov’t rejects racism claims
- In brief: Honduras announces new China cooperation
Mexico
- MEXICO: Key arrest in Teuchitlán case
- In brief: Mexico’s economic activity down in January
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei bids to reframe dictatorship
- In brief: Chile’s central bank revises up GDP forecast
On 24 March US President Donald Trump signed an executive order authorising tariffs of 25% on US imports from countries that purchase Venezuelan oil.
LatinNews Daily - 24 March 2025
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- ECUADOR: Noboa and González square off in fiery debate
Andean
- In brief: Venezuelan public sector workers put on reduced hours
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Civil society groups raise alarm on water scarcity
- In brief: Brazil’s Rousseff re-elected Brics bank chief
Central America & Caribbean
- REGION: US ends legal status for Cubans, Haitians, and other migrants
- In brief: Panama unions stage strike
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t faces further criticism over ‘extermination camp’
- In brief: Mexico’s auto assembly sector attracts record FDI in 2024
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: US sanctions Cristina Fernández
- In brief: Chile holds interest rates
Washington Watch
- Trump invokes Alien Enemies Act against Venezuela’s TdA
On 23 March Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa faced leftist challenger Luisa González in a televised debate that started the campaign for the 13 April presidential run-off election.
LatinNews Daily - 21 March 2025
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- PERU: Congress tightens screws on gov’t over crime wave
Andean
- In brief: New finance minister confirmed in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Congress approves overdue 2025 budget
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial innovation rate continues to drop
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Army denies electoral cover-up
- In brief: Nicaragua reports slower GDP growth in 2024
Mexico
- MEXICO: Arrests made in relation to Querétaro massacre
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum unveils new investment
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Opposition boycotts pension reform signing
- In brief: Argentina’s unemployment rate down in quarterly terms
On 20 March pressure continued to mount on the government of Peru’s President Dina Boluarte over organised crime, with a motion presented in congress to summon Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén to testify on the government’s response.
LatinNews Daily - 20 March 2025
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- ARGENTINA: Lower chamber approves IMF decree amid protests
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Maduro promises migration cooperation following US threat
- In brief: Two pipelines attacked in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Central bank suggests slowing rate hike cycle
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t expects growth in agriculture to recover in 2025
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo hit by vehicle insurance protests
- In brief: IMF upbeat on Dominican growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: AG denounces failings in Teuchitlán investigation
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum announces solar panel initiative
Southern Cone
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus up in February
On 19 March Argentina’s lower chamber of congress approved a controversial decree of necessity and urgency (DNU) authorising a new agreement between the government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while large anti-government protests took place outside congress.
LatinNews Daily - 19 March 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro loses another finance minister
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s exports up in January
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro’s son moves to US claiming persecution
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t seeks to broaden income tax exemptions
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Chaves takes further aim at attorney general
- In brief: Panama’s Mulino promulgates social security reform
Mexico
- MEXICO: Senior MS-13 leader captured
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t downplays recession concerns
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Tensions build as more protests loom
- In brief: Chile records GDP growth in 2024
On 18 March Colombia’s Finance Minister Diego Guevara announced his resignation, in another setback for President Gustavo Petro whose supporters took to the streets yesterday to protest the archiving of his labour reform bill in the senate.
LatinNews Daily - 18 March 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Anger at US deportations to El Salvador
Andean
- In brief: Opening of Peru’s new international airport delayed again
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Right-wing party backs governors’ presidential prospects
- In brief: Brazil posts rise in economic activity
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Gov’t downplays journalist’s flight
- In brief: Remittances to Honduras continue to rise
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum tackles enforced disappearance crisis
- In brief: Mexico bans planting of genetically modified corn
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Head of congress resigns over corruption allegations
- In brief: Argentina’s fiscal surplus shrinks
On 17 March Venezuela’s government and opposition both criticised the previous day’s deportation of alleged Venezuelan criminals from the US to a prison in El Salvador.
LatinNews Daily - 17 March 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: US deports Tren de Aragua suspects to El Salvador jail
Andean
- PERU: New emergency measures announced following singer’s murder
- In brief: Peru’s economic output up in January
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro seeks support for 8 January rioter amnesty
- In brief: Brazil’s primary surplus rises in January
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: FQM to suspend arbitration proceedings against Panama
Mexico
- MEXICO: Pressure rises on gov’t over ‘extermination camp’
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum inaugurates water treatment plant in Tabasco
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Divisions on left and right ahead of elections
- In brief: Argentina’s annual inflation rate continues to decline
Washington Watch
- US congratulates new OAS Secretary General-elect Ramdin
On 16 March 238 alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal organisation, Tren de Aragua (TdA), arrived in El Salvador from the US, and were immediately transferred to the ‘Terrorism Containment Centre’ (Cecot), a 40,000-capacity mega prison.
LatinNews Daily - 14 March 2025
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- PANAMA: Unions warn of action as social security reform approved
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Resumption of deportation flights agreed with US
- In brief: Interest rate held steady in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court sets date to discuss Bolsonaro coup case
- In brief: Slight monthly slump for Brazil’s services sector
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Honduras’ economic activity picks up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Rubio welcomes collaboration but wants more
- In brief: Industrial production declines in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: CGT announces strike as pressure mounts on Milei
- In brief: Road improvement plan announced in Paraguay
On 13 March Panama’s 71 member-unicameral legislature approved legislative bill 163 which reforms the country’s social security system (CSS).
LatinNews Daily - 13 March 2025
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- ARGENTINA: Pensions protest turns violent
Andean
- PERU: Congress moves to tighten control over NGOs
- In brief: Ecuador’s Noboa presents economic reactivation plan
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Latest inflation figures deal blow to Lula
- In brief: Brazilian think tank warns of US tariff impacts
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Gov’t hails arrest of country’s most wanted fugitive
- In brief: US aviation authority extends Haiti ban
Mexico
- MEXICO: More ‘extermination camps’ found
- In brief: Mexico delays response to US steel and aluminium tariffs
Southern Cone
- In brief: Chile reports rise in exports
On 12 March a protest of pensioners against austerity descended into violence in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires as the retirees were joined by members of football ultras and security forces violently repressed the demonstration.
LatinNews Daily - 12 March 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro announces referendum on labour and health reforms
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s gov’t unveils compensation amid heavy rains
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula reaffirms support for industrial sector
- In brief: Authorities suspend operations of Brazilian airline Voepass
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: CNE tensions escalate over chaotic primaries
- In brief: Remittances to Dominican Republic rise
Mexico
- MEXICO: Trade war increases risk of recession
- In brief: World Bank identifies policy areas to reduce poverty in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei’s IMF decree under fire
- In brief: Shell and Chevron join Argentine pipeline project
On 11 March Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced that he will call a referendum so that voters can decide whether to implement his government’s proposed reforms of labour and the healthcare system, which are facing stiff opposition in congress.
LatinNews Daily - 11 March 2025
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- HONDURAS: Presidential race takes shape
Andean
- ECUADOR: Gov’t hails drop in homicides
- In brief: Dollar shortage hits fuel supply in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: COP30 president’s letter omits oil concerns
- In brief: Brazil’s poultry exports up in yearly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Prominent Guatemalan journalist returned to prison
Mexico
- MEXICO: ‘Extermination camp’ found in Jalisco state
- In brief: Mexico gov’t on defensive over Vulcan Materials dispute
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Double resignation damages Boric
- In brief: Milei decree moves Argentina closer to new IMF deal
On 10 March preliminary results from Honduras’ 9 March primaries indicated that Defence Minister Rixi Moncada would be the presidential candidate for the ruling leftist Partido Libertad y Refundación (Libre), ahead of 30 November general elections.
LatinNews Daily - 10 March 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Security personnel taken hostage in Cauca
Andean
- In brief: Inflation picks up in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula boosted by strong GDP figures
- In brief: Brazil posts trade deficit in February
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: New head of transitional presidential council
- In brief: Cuba imposes price caps on rice and beans
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum celebrates tariff ‘pause’
- In brief: Mexico’s annual inflation picks up
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Orsi concludes cabinet inauguration
- In brief: Chile’s inflation slows
Washington Watch
- Venezuela threatens to end migration cooperation with US
On 7 March Colombia’s Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez denounced the “kidnapping” of 29 members of the security forces the previous day in the southwestern department of Cauca.
LatinNews Daily - 7 March 2025
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- MEXICO: US tariff ‘pause’ a big win for Sheinbaum
Andean
- GUYANA/VENEZUELA: Guyana turns to the ICJ over Venezuela
- In brief: Health reform clears Colombia’s lower chamber
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t to slash tariffs on food imports
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank tightens regulation of digital payments
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: More alarm over electoral violence ahead of primaries
- In brief: Costa Rica’s unemployment edges up
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s labour productivity dips in quarterly terms
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei challenges congress over IMF deal
- In brief: Investigation opened into power outage in Argentina
On 6 March Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said that after an “excellent and respectful” telephone call with her US counterpart Donald Trump, the US government had agreed to halt and postpone a blanket 25% import tariff on Mexican products.
LatinNews Daily - 6 March 2025
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- MEXICO: Business groups support Sheinbaum in tariff battle
Andean
- ECUADOR: Top court calls for route out of state of exception
- In brief: Ecuador’s Noboa demands prompt payment for oilfield deal
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Carmakers’ association raises alarm on Chinese imports
- In brief: Brazilian market experts maintain inflation forecast
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Revocation of Zamora’s house arrest draws concern
- In brief: Third Haiti airport opens for international flights
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s GFCF down in December
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei’s spokesperson gives time frame for IMF deal
- In brief: Uruguay’s inflation edges up in annual terms
On 5 March Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum met with 40 Mexican business leaders to discuss how to respond to the crisis in trade with the US, following the imposition of 25% tariffs on Mexican products by the administration of President Donald Trump.
LatinNews Daily - 5 March 2025
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- PERU: Castillo’s trial gets underway
Andean
- In brief: Chevron given deadline to wind down Venezuela operations
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Deadly police clash in Bahia
- In brief: China suspends beef imports from three plants in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: US-led group buys Panama Canal ports
- In brief: El Salvador’s Bukele unwavering on bitcoin
Mexico
- MEXICO: Anti-nepotism law approved – but postponed
- In brief: Mexico sets date to unveil US tariff response
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric appoints new interior minister
- In brief: Paraguay’s inflation up in annual terms
On 4 March the trial began of Peru’s former president Pedro Castillo (2021-2022), who is accused of rebellion and abuse of authority in relation to his attempt to dissolve congress in December 2022.
LatinNews Daily - 4 March 2025
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- MEXICO: Sheinbaum braces for trade war
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro calls for international commission on Catatumbo violence
- In brief: Ecuador’s gov’t confirms controversial oilfield deal
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court approves transparency plan for budgetary grants
- In brief: S&P highlights recovery for Brazil’s industrial sector
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA/PANAMA: Seeking to reassure over migration
- In brief: New investment in Costa Rica medical devices sector
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s remittances slow in monthly terms
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Macri takes fight to Milei
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity up again
On 3 March Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum reacted cautiously to the imposition of a 25% tariff on Mexican products shipped to the US, indicating that her government had a “Plan A, B, C, and D” to respond to a trade war.
LatinNews Daily - 3 March 2025
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- GUYANA/VENEZUELA: Venezuelan vessel enters Guyanese oilfield
Andean
- In brief: Controversy over alleged plan to sell Ecuadorean oilfield
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula appoints left-wing ally to cabinet post
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t releases funds for workers
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Police raid Chérizier’s stronghold in Port-au-Prince
- In brief: Honduras hit by national blackout
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum demands equal treatment
- In brief: Mexico’s tourism FDI remains steady in 2024
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Orsi takes office as FA returns to power
- In brief: Industrial production in Chile slows
Washington Watch
- Mexico extradites cartel leaders to US
On 1 March Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali denounced an incursion by a “Venezuelan armed patrol ship” in the latest escalation of tensions between Venezuela and Guyana.
LatinNews Daily - 28 February 2025
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- MEXICO: Major cartel leaders sent to US
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro announces more cabinet changes
- In brief: Private investment up in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Emendas saga close to resolution
- In brief: Brazil’s Embraer posts record profits in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Country withdraws from UN Human Rights Council
- In brief: Nicaragua raises minimum wage
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex records another quarterly loss
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Corruption scandal takes new twist
- In brief: Agri lobbies urge Argentine gov’t to award key contract
On 27 February Mexico’s public security ministry (SSPC) announced it had extradited 29 alleged members of major drug cartels to the US.
LatinNews Daily - 27 February 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Trump announces end of Chevron’s special licence
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s mining exports rise in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t responds as US ramps up criticism
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial sector drives job creation in January
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: AG weighs in on Chinese-operated ports
- In brief: IMF signs off on El Salvador deal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Confusion over tariff deadline
- In brief: Mexico’s senate moves on energy reform
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei appoints supreme court justices by decree
- In brief: Argentina places debt on domestic market
On 26 February US President Donald Trump announced that he will terminate a special licence granted in 2022 which allows US oil company Chevron to operate in Venezuela.
LatinNews Daily - 26 February 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: High-profile activist detained
Andean
- ECUADOR: Noboa announces plan for new constitution
- In brief: Bolivia’s GDP growth slows in Q3 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula dismisses health minister
- In brief: Inflation rises in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Fitch positive on Costa Rica outlook
Mexico
- MEXICO: Lower chamber approves ban on planting GM corn
- In brief: Mexico closes 2024 with record FDI figure
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric blames massive blackout on private sector
- In brief: Argentina’s economic activity picks up in December
On 25 February the human rights institute (Idhuca) of El Salvador’s Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) denounced the “arbitrary arrest” of Fidel Zavala, the spokesperson for rights group Unidad de Defensa de Derechos Humanos y Comunitarios (Unidehc).
LatinNews Daily - 25 February 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Benedetti poised to be named as interior minister
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s first steel plant inaugurated
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula takes to TV to counteract fall in ratings
- In brief: Brazil receives record number of tourists in January
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Kenya police confirms MSS officer killing
- In brief: Guatemala’s gov’t confirms port expansion with US cooperation
Mexico
- MEXICO: Pressure rises as new tariff deadline approaches
- In brief: Mexico’s annual inflation picks up
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei performs U-turn on Ukraine
- In brief: Argentina’s gov’t questions Telefónica deal
On 24 February the website of Colombia’s presidency was updated to name Armando Benedetti as interior minister, indicating yet another promotion for the controversial ally of President Gustavo Petro whose arrival in government was strongly opposed by ministers.
LatinNews Daily - 24 February 2025
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- PANAMA/REGION: Concerns mount over migrants’ rights
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Opposition divided over election boycott
- In brief: Strong GDP growth in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Rumble targets supreme court justice De Moraes
- In brief: Brazil and Paraguay advance on Itaipú Treaty revision
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Approval in Panama of reservoir to feed Canal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum addresses El Mayo repatriation request
- In brief: Mexico records first quarterly GDP contraction in years
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei meets Trump; stars at CPAC
- In brief: Argentina’s Milei continues privatisation drive
Washington Watch
- US designates Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organisations
On 23 February Panama’s Guna Yala general congress (CGG), which represents the indigenous Guna Yala (San Blas) indigenous territory that borders the Darién Gap, the lawless jungle frontier with Colombia, warned it was not equipped to receive migrants being deported from the US.
LatinNews Daily - 21 February 2025
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- HAITI: US revokes TPS extension for Haiti
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Morales switches party, declares candidacy despite term limits
- In brief: Venezuela’s private industrial sector reports growth
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Tensions rise between top court and tech firms
- In brief: Brazilian digital bank Nubank posts higher profit in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: US sanctions Costa Rican deputies amid China contract controversy
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum seeks to protect sovereignty amid US tensions
- In brief: Netflix announces investment in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei victorious in two key senate votes
- In brief: Unemployment drops in Paraguay
On 20 February US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem rescinded a June 2024 decision by the previous US administration led by former president Joe Biden (2021-2025) to extend Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
LatinNews Daily - 20 February 2025
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- MEXICO: US moves on cartel designations
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro names general as defence minister
- In brief: Bolivia’s YPFB outlines investment plan
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula cautious in reaction to Bolsonaro coup indictment
- In brief: Brazil’s Vale posts net loss in Q4
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Authorities under pressure over US migration deal
- In brief: El Salvador greenlights BCIE tourism development loan
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s central bank halves 2025 growth forecast
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Fallout from corruption scandal continues to grow
- In brief: Argentina’s state-owned bank becomes public limited company
On 19 February the US Department of State designated six Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organisations (FTOs), along with Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal group originating from Venezuela, and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), one of two main street gangs in Central America.
LatinNews Daily - 19 February 2025
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- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro formally charged for alleged coup plot
Andean
- VENEZUELA/GUYANA: Venezuela denies involvement in border clash
- In brief: Ecuador registers large trade surplus in 2024
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil resumes Venezuelan electricity imports
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: U-turn over decision to end US extradition treaty
- In brief: Panama remains on EU blacklist
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum downplays reports of US drones
- In brief: Santander announces investment in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei under fire over crypto interview
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus shrinks in January
On 18 February Brazil’s attorney general Paulo Gonet filed formal charges against former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) and his allies for allegedly plotting a military insurrection in 2022 to reverse Bolsonaro’s election defeat that year.
LatinNews Daily - 18 February 2025
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- ARGENTINA: Pressure rises on Milei over crypto scandal
Andean
- COLOMBIA: ELN maintains pressure in east and west
- In brief: Colombia posts moderate GDP growth in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Finance minister downplays inflation concerns
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras to expand fuel transportation fleet
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Migrant deportation flights to arrive from US
- In brief: Guatemala bus drivers on strike over insecurity
Mexico
- MEXICO: INE highlights errors in judicial election candidate lists
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex confirms attack on offshore platform
Southern Cone
- In brief: Argentina claims another fiscal surplus
On 17 February federal judge María Servini was assigned to oversee the case against Argentina’s President Javier Milei for his alleged involvement in a suspected cryptocurrency scam.
LatinNews Daily - 17 February 2025
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- ECUADOR: Interior minister replaced amid intensifying violence
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s industrial production down in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Latest opinion poll bad news for Lula
- In brief: Brazil’s Vale announces major mining investment
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Electoral violence fears grow
- In brief: Costa Rica’s fiscal deficit up in 2024
Mexico
- MEXICO: Tabasco governor appoints new security head
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t hails rise in tourism
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Opposition threatens to impeach Milei over crypto debacle
- In brief: Argentina moves to privatise state road operator
Washington Watch
- Mexico to seek talks with US over steel and aluminium tariffs
On 15 February Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa replaced his interior minister, Mónica Palencia, amid escalating attacks by criminal gangs in the coastal province of Guayas.
LatinNews Daily - 14 February 2025
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- PANAMA: First US deportation flight of migrants from various nations
Andean
- ECUADOR: Finance minister out in reshuffle
- In brief: Peru holds interest rates
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t seeks to refute US trade imbalance concerns
- In brief: Brazil’s annual retail sales up in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Work activities, classes suspended in Cuba amid energy crisis
Mexico
- MEXICO: Senate passes housing reforms
- In brief: Mexico launches antidumping investigation into Chinese paperboard
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Fernández appeals corruption conviction
- In brief: Inflation reaches new low in Argentina
On 13 February Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino announced the first flight from the US with 119 deportees from various nations, including China and India, had arrived in Panama the previous day.
LatinNews Daily - 13 February 2025
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- PANAMA: Protests turn violent over proposed social security reform
Andean
- ECUADOR: González dismisses Noboa’s claims of criminal support
- In brief: Venezuela claims oil production above 1m barrels in January
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula reaffirms support for oil exploration near Amazon Delta
- In brief: Brazil’s services sector grows in annual terms
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Honduras’ remittances surge
Mexico
- MEXICO: Pemex acknowledges crude oil quality issues
- In brief: Mexico’s CFE to boost internet access in remote areas
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Gov’t breaks silence on corruption scandal
- In brief: Salaries in Argentina outpace inflation
On 12 February Panama’s national police director Jaime Fernández reported that at least 15 police officers had been injured, two of them seriously, and over 480 people had been arrested amid protests in Panama City over proposed changes to the social security system (CSS).
LatinNews Daily - 12 February 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro plays down importance of cabinet resignations
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s country risk rises after election’s first round
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Economic worries persist despite inflation slowdown
- In brief: Brazil’s coffee exports down year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Voltaire pledges legal action against key figures
- In brief: Nicaragua’s growth slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Defence minister notes increased US border surveillance
- In brief: Mexico reports growth in international tourism in 2024
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei shutters housing secretariat
- In brief: Argentina responds to Patagonia fires
On 11 February Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro said that many cabinet ministers would be reinstated and that there would not be a major change of direction in his government, after he asked ministers to resign in the wake of a disastrous cabinet meeting that was broadcast live on 4 February.
LatinNews Daily - 11 February 2025
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- MEXICO: Trump unveils steel and aluminium tariffs
Andean
- VENEZUELA: US begins deportation flights
- In brief: Port expansion announced in southern Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t nods to private sector in forest management
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle production up year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Boosting ties with Mexico
- In brief: IMF hails Nicaragua’s ‘robust’ growth
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s vehicle sales rise, exports decline in January
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Bullrich oversees Bolivian border fence contract
- In brief: New IMF deal ‘close’ says Argentina’s Milei
On 10 February US President Donald Trump announced tariffs on steel and aluminium imports of 25% “without exceptions or exemptions”, a move that will significantly impact Mexico which is among the largest source countries for both metals.
LatinNews Daily - 10 February 2025
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- ECUADOR: Noboa faces second round against González
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s Petro asks ministers to resign
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t defends record on Yanomami health crisis
- In brief: Brazil’s trade surplus down in January
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Legislature approves anti-corruption initiative
- In brief: China responds to Panama’s BRI withdrawal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Security tensions rise with US
- In brief: Mexico’s inflation slows in January
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Heads roll as official corruption network exposed
- In brief: Argentina’s construction, industrial production down in 2024
Washington Watch
- US ends TPS status for Venezuelans
On 9 February Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa narrowly won the first round of the presidential election and will face Luisa González of the left-wing Revolución Ciudadana (RC) in the 13 April second round.
LatinNews Daily - 7 February 2025
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- HAITI/REGION: Rubio clarifies US support for MSS
Andean
- ECUADOR: Campaigns close ahead of first round
- In brief: Peruvian exports break records in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: NGO concerned over Cerrado deforestation despite annual drop
- In brief: Brazil’s Embraer posts record value for aircraft order log
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Nicaragua awards more mining concessions
Mexico
- MEXICO: Tensions rise with supreme court
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico cuts interest rate
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei gains boost as Paso suspended
- In brief: Analysts optimistic on Argentina’s 2025 outlook
On 6 February US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US government led by President Donald Trump is “committed to continue to work with” the Kenya-led multinational security support mission (MSS) tasked with helping Haiti’s police (PNd’H) restore order to Haiti.
LatinNews Daily - 6 February 2025
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- ARGENTINA: Milei echoes Trump in WHO exit
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro hit with resignations after cabinet debacle
- In brief: Bolivia suspends beef exports
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court discusses measures to address police brutality in Rio
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial production down in monthly terms in December
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo agrees to accept more US deportation flights
- In brief: Panama denies agreeing to preferential Canal access for US
Mexico
- MEXICO: Judicial elections one step closer
- In brief: Mexico unveils energy expansion plan
Southern Cone
- In brief: Monthly inflation up in Uruguay
On 5 February Argentina’s President Javier Milei announced the country would leave the World Health Organization (WHO), echoing a decision made by US President Donald Trump just over two weeks previously.
LatinNews Daily - 5 February 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro faces unprecedented criticism from ministers
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s Petro urges sale of Ecopetrol’s US fracking operations
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Central bank warns inflation target could be breached
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle sales up year-on-year, down in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Rubio offers cooperation on migration and crime
- In brief: Panama’s exports up in 2024
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum handles tariff threat but further turbulence lies ahead
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico in 2024 rise despite December decline
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric promulgates key security law
- In brief: Argentina’s YPF concludes sale of subsidiary in Brazil
On 4 February Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro faced criticism on a range of issues during a cabinet meeting that was broadcast on live television.
LatinNews Daily - 4 February 2025
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- EL SALVADOR: Bukele offers ‘unprecedented’ migration deal
Andean
- ECUADOR: Noboa announces tariffs on Mexico
- In brief: Peru’s public investment up sharply in January
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Institutional tensions persist as congress returns from recess
- In brief: Brazil posts drop in annual oil and gas production
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: US and China react to Panama’s BRI withdrawal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Trump agrees to pause tariffs
- In brief: Mexico’s finance minister seeks to reassure investors
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei names end date for currency controls
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity continues to grow
On 3 February El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and said the country will sign a ‘safe third country’ migration agreement with the US, allowing Washington to use it as a destination for people it wants to deport, including criminals.
LatinNews Daily - 3 February 2025
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- MEXICO: Sheinbaum responds to US tariffs
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Maduro confirms ‘first agreements’ with Trump administration
- In brief: Finance minister replaced in Peru
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Congress elects new centre-right leaders
- In brief: Brazil’s primary deficit down, nominal deficit up
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Mulino remains under pressure after Rubio visit
- In brief: Honduras’ inflation rate up in January
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico hails long weekend tourism
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Opposition groups unite to protest against Milei
- In brief: EU-Chile interim trade agreement enters into force
Washington Watch
- Colombia and US reach deal on deportations
On 1 February Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on the US after President Donald Trump imposed 25% duties on imports from Mexico, as well as Canada, earlier that day.
LatinNews Daily - 31 January 2025
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- MEXICO: Trump tariff deadline draws closer
Andean
- ECUADOR: Tren de Aragua listed as terrorist organisation
- In brief: Bolivia’s YPFB partners with Brazilian firm
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula adopts more defiant tone on Trump
- In brief: Primary deficit of Brazil’s gov’t down in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Legislative approval of constitutional changes concluded
- In brief: Dominican Republic holds interest rates
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s public debt rises in 2024
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei faces backlash over attack on minorities
- In brief: Argentina cuts interest rate as inflation eases
On 30 January US President Donald Trump reiterated his plans to place 25% tariffs on Mexico, as well as Canada, from 1 February.
LatinNews Daily - 30 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: US revokes TPS extension for Venezuelans
Andean
- In brief: Peru seeks infrastructure drive
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Central bank continues rate hikes under new leadership
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras ups estimate for hydrocarbon reserves
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Changes to speed up constitutional reform approved
- In brief: Remittances to Nicaragua up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum questions Google over Gulf name change
- In brief: Unemployment dips in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Bullrich outlines plans to ramp up border security
- In brief: Chile’s lower chamber approves pension reform
On 29 January the US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem revoked an extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela that had been announced earlier this month under former president Joe Biden (2021-2025).
LatinNews Daily - 29 January 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro loses another pillar of his legislative coalition
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s banana exports up in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Tax take offers slight relief amid fiscal concerns
- In brief: Brazil’s coffee harvest forecast to drop in 2025
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Gov’t under pressure over Bajo Aguán violence
- In brief: US senators warn of China influence on Panama Canal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sinaloa trouble adds to Sheinbaum’s Trump difficulties
- In brief: Nestlé announces investment in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Pension reform passes senate
- In brief: Chile’s central bank holds interest rate
On 28 January the centre-left Partido Liberal (PL) announced its withdrawal from the legislative coalition of Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, citing concern over his recent row with US President Donald Trump and the government’s handling of escalating violence in the north-eastern Catatumbo region.
LatinNews Daily - 28 January 2025
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- GUATEMALA/REGION: US military deportation flights continue
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Legislative and regional elections announced
- In brief: New solar plant planned in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula signals deeper ties with Russia and Brics
- In brief: Brazil registers annual rise in meat production
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Dominican Republic posts solid growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum downplays US deportations
- In brief: Mexico’s trade deficit widens in 2024
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Bolivian border fence heightens tensions
- In brief: Tourism to Argentina down in 2024
On 27 January the international media reported that a third US military deportation flight had landed in Guatemala, carrying 64 Guatemalans.
LatinNews Daily - 27 January 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro caves to Trump’s tariff threats
Andean
- In brief: Fitch downgrades Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: NGO raises alarm over Amazon degradation
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit widens in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Voltaire warns of impact of US policies
- In brief: Costa Rica’s exports up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Renewed concerns over journalist killings
- In brief: Mexico’s economic activity up in November
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei speech fuels tensions
- In brief: Moody’s upgrades Argentina’s credit rating
Washington Watch
- Mexico’s Sheinbaum responds to Trump’s initial measures
On 26 January the White House announced that Colombia had agreed to accept deportation flights using military aircraft, following a standoff in which US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on Colombian goods, with President Gustavo Petro vowing retaliatory tariffs on US imports.
LatinNews Daily - 24 January 2025
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- MEXICO: Public outrage over Sinaloa violence
Andean
- ECUADOR: Corruption investigation opened as election looms
- In brief: Hydrocarbon investment plan unveiled in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t considers measures to lower food prices
- In brief: Brazil sets up clean energy funding programme
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele talks with Trump
- In brief: Panama appeals WTO panel decision on Costa Rica dispute
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum outlines nearshoring incentives
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Venezuela’s Cabello accused of ordering Ojeda murder
- In brief: Argentina posts economic growth in November
On 23 January protests erupted in Mexico’s Sinaloa state with demonstrators calling for an end to months of cartel infighting, following the killing of two children in state capital Culiacán.
LatinNews Daily - 23 January 2025
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- MEXICO: Gov’t seeks unity in response to Trump
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Arrest warrants reactivated for ELN negotiators
- In brief: Colombia draws record tourists in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court demands plan to address forest fires
- In brief: China partially halts soybean shipments from Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI/COLOMBIA: Petro seeks to boost ties with Haiti
- In brief: Nicaragua’s ‘Gran Canal’ greenlit by constitutional changes
Mexico
- In brief: Plans to move on GM corn ban in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: New far-right party born
- In brief: Paraguay’s soybean production reaches record high
On 22 January Mexico’s Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente spoke on the phone with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about security and migration, as the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum prepares to deal with the impact of mass deportations among other measures announced by US President Donald Trump.
LatinNews Daily - 22 January 2025
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- PERU: Gov’t responds to Trujillo bombing
Andean
- In brief: Rising oil production driving Venezuelan growth, says think tank
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula confirms senior diplomat as COP30 president
- In brief: Brazil’s coffee harvest down in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Legislature approves ‘volunteer’ police force
- In brief: Honduras’ growth slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum seeks cool-headed response to Trump
- In brief: Analysts reduce Mexico 2024 GDP growth forecast
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Incoming economic team unveiled
- In brief: Chile opens bidding for San Antonio port project
On 21 January Peru’s President Dina Boluarte promised that her government would combat organised crime with an “iron fist” following the detonation of a bomb the previous day outside the regional attorney general’s office in the city of Trujillo.
LatinNews Daily - 21 January 2025
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- MEXICO/REGION: Migration focus of Trump’s initial moves
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro reshuffles cabinet
- In brief: Peru’s trade surplus up in November
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula urges cabinet to get into campaign mode
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank makes another currency intervention
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: US embassy vehicle targeted in latest gang attack
- In brief: Panama’s inflation picks up
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s Immex programme posts fall in employment
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Pension reform clears key hurdle
- In brief: Argentina records large trade surplus for 2024
On 20 January Donald Trump took office as the new US president, signing executive orders to clamp down on illegal migration, among other measures affecting Mexico and the wider region.
LatinNews Daily - 20 January 2025
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- COLOMBIA: Petro suspends ELN talks as violence escalates
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s industrial production down in November
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Police to investigate Bolsonaro over alleged ban breach
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras posts record annual production figures
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: More high-profile prisoners released
- In brief: Nicaragua’s growth picks up in annual terms
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum stands firm as Trump takes office
- In brief: Mexico and EU finalise trade deal
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei delivers ‘landmark’ surplus
- In brief: Uruguay signs MoU with Exim to boost US exports
Washington Watch
- US lawmaker ups pressure on Panama over Canal
On 17 January Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced that he had suspended planned peace talks with the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) guerrilla group due to escalating violence in Norte de Santander department that has now killed over 80 people, according to Governor William Villamizar.
LatinNews Daily - 17 January 2025
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- MEXICO/REGION: Top officials discuss migration as region braces for Trump
Andean
- COLOMBIA: ELN accused of plotting to assassinate peace official
- In brief: Ecuador’s economy down in Q3 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro denied from attending Trump inauguration
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula promulgates tax reform regulations
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Prominent dissidents freed
- In brief: Economy remains main public concern in El Salvador
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t unveils investment in roads
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Tensions flare over pension reform accord
- In brief: Paraguay’s Peña signs new public sector law
On 16 January Mexico hosted foreign ministers and other representatives from across the region to discuss challenges around migration.
LatinNews Daily - 16 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Maduro announces plan for constitutional reform
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s economic output up in November
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t struggles to refute viral fake news clip
- In brief: Brazil’s coffee exports register annual record
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: New constitution aims to extinguish opposition
- In brief: Dominican Republic receives record tourists in 2024
Mexico
- MEXICO: Private sector looks to Canada to ease trade tensions
- In brief: Mexico hails ‘record’ tax take
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Layoffs hit healthcare sector
- In brief: Chile’s lower house approves regional FTA with Singapore
On 15 January Venezuela’s authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro announced that his government has begun work on a constitutional reform.
LatinNews Daily - 15 January 2025
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- CUBA: Biden’s parting gesture secures big prisoner release
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Morales’ supporters continue protests as tensions mount
- In brief: Colombia’s gov’t announces austerity plan
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Concern over gangs in northwest
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle production and sales up in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: El Salvador’s gov’t to cover household bills in January
Mexico
- MEXICO: Concern over missing persons case in Oaxaca
- In brief: AWS launches Mexico infrastructure region
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Central bank to lower crawling peg
- In brief: Deputies in Chile propose votes on pension reform
On 14 January Cuba’s foreign ministry announced that hundreds of prisoners would be released after talks with the Vatican as US President Joe Biden removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
LatinNews Daily - 14 January 2025
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- PERU: Keiko Fujimori’s money laundering trial thrown out
Andean
- In brief: Venezuela reopens borders with Colombia and Brazil
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Poll suggests uncertain electoral future for conservatives
- In brief: Brazilian market experts raise inflation forecast again
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Zamora ruling a boost for anti-corruption struggle
- In brief: Remittances to Honduras rise in 2024
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum unveils economic plan
- In brief: International tourism grows in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Bullrich clashes with human rights NGO
- In brief: Paraguay registers 2024 trade deficit
On 13 January a Peruvian judge threw out a money laundering trial that began in July 2024 against Keiko Fujimori, a three-time presidential candidate and the leader of the right-wing Fuerza Popular (FP).
LatinNews Daily - 13 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Maduro sworn in for third term
Andean
- In brief: Inflation falls in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Authorities raise alarm over rural violence
- In brief: Brazil’s annual inflation breaches 2024 target range
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Security mission suffers Barbados blow
- In brief: Costa Rica’s unemployment rises
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum marks 100-day milestone
- In brief: Mexico’s industrial activity declines in yearly terms
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: IMF evaluation sets stage for new deal discussions
- In brief: Analysts revise up 2025 growth, inflation forecasts in Chile
Washington Watch
- Biden meets Venezuela’s González
On 10 January Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third term amid widespread international outcry over the conduct of the July 2024 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by the opposition’s exiled candidate Edmundo González.
LatinNews Daily - 10 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Machado briefly arrested at opposition protest
Andean
- In brief: Peru further cuts interest rates
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula criticises Meta content moderation changes
- In brief: Brazil’s retail sales down in monthly terms, up year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Mulino marks Martyrs’ Day amid mounting tensions
- In brief: Remittances to Guatemala up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum meets INE to discuss judicial elections
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico signals larger rate cuts ahead as inflation eases
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Government evicts Mapuche community
- In brief: Argentina honours large debt payments
On 9 January the Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, was arrested and then released as she made her first public appearance in months at a protest in Caracas.
LatinNews Daily - 9 January 2025
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- MEXICO: Sheinbaum defiant in face of Trump threats
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Maduro defends wave of arrests
- In brief: Colombia’s coffee production up
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Polarisation marks capital riots anniversary
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle sales up in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Retrial of anti-mining activists draws concern
- In brief: Costa Rica’s inflation picks up
Mexico
- In brief: Social housing construction to begin in Mexico next month
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei completes first privatisation
- In brief: Chile’s Dominga mining project blocked again
On 8 January Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested part of the US be renamed to América Mexicana (Mexican America) in response to US President-elect Donald Trump’s professed plans to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
LatinNews Daily - 8 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: Repression intensifies ahead of inauguration
Andean
- In brief: Peru awards contract for water treatment facility
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula appoints new communications secretary
- In brief: Brazil posts record number of tourists in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Gov’t responds to latest Trump Canal threat
- In brief: Inflation in Dominican Republic picks up
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t launches fentanyl prevention campaign
- In brief: Mexico denies Trudeau’s departure will impact USMCA
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Confusion as wanted fugitive released in Bolivia
- In brief: Analysts revise down Argentina inflation forecast
On 7 January the exiled Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González denounced the “kidnapping” of his son-in-law Rafael Tudares in Caracas.
LatinNews Daily - 7 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: González meets with Biden and Trump nominee
Andean
- In brief: Inflation accelerates in Venezuela, says think tank
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Military court transfers coup probe to supreme court
- In brief: Brazil’s annual trade surplus down in 2024
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Gov’t under pressure over Trump deportation threat
- In brief: Guatemala gov’t upbeat on minimum wage rise impact
Mexico
- MEXICO: Authorities hail security operation in Guanajuato
- In brief: Mexico announces major dollar-bond sale
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric fires minister over failed Allende house purchase
- In brief: Argentina creates new port authority
On 6 January the exiled Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González met with US President Joe Biden in Washington, as well as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for national security adviser, Mike Waltz.
LatinNews Daily - 6 January 2025
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- VENEZUELA: González mounts last-ditch diplomatic campaign
Andean
- In brief: Monthly inflation slows in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Indigenous groups raise alarm over violence in south
- In brief: Brazilian airlines to settle debts to government
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Guatemala, El Salvador deployments arrive to bolster MSS
- In brief: Guyana airport CEO hails rise in tourism
Mexico
- MEXICO: Chiapas mayor arrested
- In brief: Unemployment rate rises in Mexico
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Prosecutors in Pecci case suffer big blow
- In brief: Argentina announces repurchase agreement
Washington Watch
- US updates Central America ‘Corrupt and Undemocratic Actors’ list
On 4 January the exiled Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González, widely regarded as the winner of the July 2024 presidential election, launched a regional tour aimed at exerting pressure on President Nicolás Maduro ahead of the 10 January inauguration ceremony.
LatinNews Daily - 3 January 2025
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- ECUADOR: Noboa moves against vice president
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s international reserves under pressure
Brazil
- BRAZIL: New figures show rise in capital flight
- In brief: Drop in production for Brazil-Paraguay hydroelectric dam
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Gov’t hails fall in homicides
- In brief: Honduras’ inflation down in annual terms
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t rejects NYT report on fentanyl production
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico rise
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Tax take down in real terms amid budget rollover
- In brief: Uruguay’s exports up in 2024
On 2 January Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa appointed the national planning secretary, Sariha Moya, as vice president due to the “temporary absence” of Verónica Abad, who fell out with Noboa while still on the campaign trail and whom he has attempted to sideline by dispatching her to the Middle East for most of his presidency.
LatinNews Daily - 2 January 2025
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- ECUADOR: Outrage over murder of arrested children
Andean
- In brief: Peru claims economic progress in 2024
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula vetoes parts of budget guidelines bill
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula decrees minimum wage increase
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Mulino firm on Canal
- In brief: El Salvador lifts mining ban
Mexico
- MEXICO: Migration agent murdered amid border tensions
- In brief: Mexico issues new tariffs
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Judge requests arrest of Nicaragua’s Ortega, Murillo
- In brief: Paraguay’s inflation up in December
On 31 December Ecuador’s defence ministry promised total transparency regarding the murder of four children whose bodies were found on 24 December, more than two weeks after they were arrested by a military patrol on 8 December.
Weekly Report - 28 August 2025 (WR-25-34)
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- Venezuela sabre-rattling continues
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- BOLIVIA: Judicial realignment ahead of presidential transition
- PERU: Mini reshuffle could cause trouble ahead
- COLOMBIA: Rocked by guerrilla attacks
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Corruption scandal hits close to home
- BRAZIL: Lula pushes for regional cooperation
- BRAZIL: Lula demands loyalty from right-of-centre ministers
- PARAGUAY: How safe?
- CHILE: Grau’s to-do list
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum to meet Rubio amid tensions
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- GUYANA: PPP/C bids for re-election
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- NGO law stokes concern in Ecuador
- Quotes of the week
For another week the governments of Venezuela and the US have traded mutual insults and made threatening troop movements.
Weekly Report - 21 August 2025 (WR-25-33)
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- Bolivia swings to the right with MAS left shattered
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Tit-for-tat with US gets serious
- COLOMBIA: Outlook for ‘total peace’ remains troubled
- PERU: Amnesties sow division
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Right-wing candidates dominate presidential race
- ARGENTINA: Uncertainty over Milei lead in October mid-term election
- BRAZIL: Supreme court justice seeks to resist US pressure
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum boosts ties with Guatemala
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum hails poverty reduction
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: New education minister raises militarisation concerns
- COSTA RICA: Mega-jail to begin construction sooner than expected
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Colombia’s private sector expects a difficult transition
- Quotes of the week
Bolivia’s first round of general elections on 17 August produced a sea change in the country, where for a generation politics has been dominated by the left.
Weekly Report - 14 August 2025 (WR-25-32)
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- Noboa piles pressure on Ecuador’s constitutional court
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Uribe Turbay’s death raises concern over 2026 elections
- PERU/COLOMBIA: Tensions rise over Amazon island
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Lula waters down environmental licencing bill
- BRAZIL: Government seeks to support businesses amid US tariffs
- ARGENTINA: Lining up the coalitions
- ARGENTINA: Contaminated fentanyl leaves death trail
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Trumps ramps up campaign against cartels
- MEXICO: Pemex under scrutiny
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HAITI: New CPT leader takes over amid steep challenges
- HONDURAS: Electoral authority fixes one problem – of many
POSTSCRIPT
- Uruguay’s lower chamber greenlights euthanasia bill
- Quotes of the week
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa is facing widespread accusations that he is leaning on the judiciary after he led a major demonstration against the constitutional court on 12 August.
Weekly Report - 07 August 2025 (WR-25-31)
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- Bolsonaro placed under house arrest for breaching social media ban
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- BOLIVIA: The surge of the ‘don’t knows’
- COLOMBIA: Petro faces a difficult last year
- ECUADOR: Seven questions for referendum
- PERU: Boluarte at odds with judiciary
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Governors form new political alliance
- CHILE: Deadly mining incident
- URUGUAY: Authorities hail major cocaine bust
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum holds tariff threat at bay
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum moves on electoral reform
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele removes final obstacle to indefinite rule
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Costa Rica faces momentous moment
- Quotes of the week
Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) has been placed under house arrest for violating the restrictions that were imposed on him on 18 July [WR-25-29], which included a ban on posting content on social media, either on his own account or through those of other people.
Weekly Report - 31 July 2025 (WR-25-30)
Click here for full report
- Uribe’s guilty verdict creates shockwaves at home and abroad
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Ruling party sweeps municipal elections amid boycott
- PERU: Boluarte talks a lot but few listen
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Tensions rise between judiciary and Bolsonarismo
- BRAZIL: Boost for government’s poverty reduction goals
- CHILE: Gloves are off as Matthei faces knockout
- ARGENTINA: Milei receives IMF fillip
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Extortion in the spotlight
- MEXICO: Pressure rises on Morena
- MEXICO: CNB head resigns
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Cracking down on dissent
- NICARAGUA: China laps up mining concessions
POSTSCRIPT
- Noboa borrows Milei’s chainsaw
- Quotes of the week
Colombia’s former president Álvaro Uribe (2002-2010) was found guilty of witness tampering and bribery on 28 July, in a momentous verdict that has roiled the country’s politics ahead of the 2026 general election.
Weekly Report - 24 July 2025 (WR-25-29)
Click here for full report
- NDP returns to power at defining moment for Suriname
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Ruling coalition announces electoral plans
- VENEZUELA: Three countries claim victory after prisoner exchange
- ECUADOR: Hopes for reset in indigenous relations
- PERU: Boluarte facing new investigation
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro’s legal woes deepen with new restrictions
- BRAZIL: Government receives fiscal boost
- TRACKING TRENDS
- REGION: Progressives set out to defend democracy
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Morena hit by scandal
- MEXICO: Aviation sparks new US tensions
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Key human rights group shuts down operations
- HAITI: US arrests Boulos
POSTSCRIPT
- Sun sets on Suntracs?
- Quotes of the week
Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is the new president of Suriname.
Weekly Report - 17 July 2025 (WR-25-28)
Click here for full report
- Mexico-US trade and security tensions rise
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- BOLIVIA: MAS electoral hopes fading, poll suggests
- COLOMBIA: Sarabia remains tight-lipped after resignation
- PERU: Trouble with informal mining
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Trump tariff threats boost government
- CHILE: Far-right unites in blow to Matthei
- ARGENTINA: Propping up the peso
- PARAGUAY: Peña seeks closer ties with UK
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: El Chapo’s son pleads guilty
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- CUBA: Labour minister resigns over poverty comments
- HAITI: Struggling to break the deadlock
- HONDURAS: Election at risk, claims opposition leader
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Venezuelan government plans big win in municipal race
- Quotes of the week
US President Donald Trump has significantly escalated trade tensions with Mexico in the past week, despite ongoing talks between the two countries.
Weekly Report - 10 July 2025 (WR-25-27)
Click here for full report
- Colombian coup allegations furiously denied by Washington
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- BOLIVIA: Deadlock over lithium contracts
- VENEZUELA: Universities protest over entrance examinations
- ECUADOR: Noboa prepares referendum on foreign military bases
- PERU: Anger over Boluarte’s salary hike
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Jara enjoys big bounce in polls
- BRAZIL: Lula incurs Trump’s wrath
- BRAZIL: Ruling PT picks more moderate party leader
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Anti-gentrification protests hit CDMX
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum tackles extortion
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HONDURAS-NICARAGUA: Deportation protections ended for Hondurans and Nicaraguans in US
- EL SALVADOR: Spotlight on human rights abuses in El Salvador
POSTSCRIPT
- Unity in the face of a common enemy
- Quotes of the week
An apparent plot by Colombia’s former foreign minister Álvaro Leyva (2022-2024) to topple President Gustavo Petro has kicked up a diplomatic storm after Petro demanded that US authorities investigate whether any officials were involved in planning a “coup” against him.
Weekly Report - 03 July 2025 (WR-25-26)
Click here for full report
- Chile’s Communist candidate wins key primary contest
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Petro turns on VP amid reports of plot
- ECUADOR: Correa rails against Glas sentence
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei guns for Kicillof
- PARAGUAY: Peña paints positive picture
- BRAZIL: Government appeals to supreme court to restore tax hikes
- REGION: Mercosur gains foothold in European single market
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sanctions cause a stir
- MEXICO: Harfuch hails oil theft busts
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- COSTA RICA: Chaves faces possible impeachment
- NICARAGUA: Ortega stamping out dissent
POSTSCRIPT
- Venezuela’s ‘Chicken’ pleads guilty
- Quotes of the week
Chile’s primary election on 29 June produced an unexpected result, which will have profound repercussions for the upcoming presidential race.
Weekly Report - 26 June 2025 (WR-25-25)
Click here for full report
- Ecuador's Noboa enjoys big boost after suffering big setback
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Petro starts new row with congress
- BOLIVIA: Foul play ruled out in minister’s death
- VENEZUELA: Economic outlook deteriorates
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: PJ shoots itself in foot ahead of elections
- BRAZIL: Tensions between institutions run high
- BRAZIL: Civil society warns of rise in forest fires
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: CJNG hit by sanctions
- MEXICO: Search collectives pressure government
- MEXICO: National guard reform approved
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- CUBA: Wrestling with power cuts
POSTSCRIPT
- Third country deportation - a new business for El Salvador?
- Quotes of the week
Within the space of a week, a top criminal cartel leader in Ecuador walked out of a supposed high-security prison (terrible public relations for the government) while another, significantly bigger fish, was dramatically captured by the army (much better PR).
Weekly Report - 19 June 2025 (WR-25-24)
Click here for full report
- Colombia’s senate approves labour reform
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Helicoide casts a long shadow
- BOLIVIA: Roadblocks paused in respite for Arce
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Fernández placed under house arrest
- CHILE: Moderate Tohá fights poll slump before leftist primaries
- BRAZIL: Congress deals blow to government’s fiscal plans
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro allies under pressure over alleged spying
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: INE confirms key court results
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum courts global leaders at G7 summit
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HAITI: Lula and Ramdin rally support
- HONDURAS: UN extends deadline on anti-corruption agency
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Peru’s battle of the attorneys general
- Quotes of the week
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro should by most measures be basking in a rare victory after the senate finally approved his government’s labour reform bill on 17 June.
Weekly Report - 12 June 2025 (WR-25-23)
Click here for full report
- Fernández out of elections as conviction upheld
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Petro takes the plunge
- BOLIVIA: Tensions rise over roadblocks
- VENEZUELA: The threat of ‘popular power’
- ECUADOR: Wide-ranging security bill clears congress
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Unconfrontational hearing for Bolsonaro
- BRAZIL: Lula plugs opportunities for trade and climate cooperation
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: US ups pressure on cartels
- MEXICO: OAS slams judicial elections
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HONDURAS: Election countdown begins
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Kuczynski’s attempt to flee abroad ends in failure
- Quotes of the week
Just one week after announcing her intention to stand in the legislative elections in the province of Buenos Aires on 7 September, Argentina’s former president Cristina Fernández (2007-2015) lost her final appeal against a six-year prison sentence for corruption and a lifetime ban on holding public office.
Weekly Report - 05 June 2025 (WR-25-22)
Click here for full report
- Sheinbaum undeterred by low turnout for key vote
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- BOLIVIA: Morales dials up the pressure with roadblocks
- COLOMBIA: All set for constitutional showdown
- ECUADOR: Congress approves return of foreign military bases
- PERU: Mining disputes spread
- VENEZUELA: Clampdown on the black-market dollar
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Boric delivers provocative final address
- ARGENTINA: Fernández opts to face off against Milei early
- BRAZIL: Moody’s lowers Brazil’s credit outlook
- BRAZIL: Far-right lawmaker declared as fugitive
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- SURINAME: NDP forges coalition to return to power
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele blasts critics in address to congress
POSTSCRIPT
- Mixed bag for Morena in Mexico’s local elections
- Quotes of the week
A “complete success” is how Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum described the country’s unprecedented, mammoth judicial elections, which took place on 1 June.
Weekly Report - 29 May 2025 (WR-25-21)
Click here for full report
- Argentina’s Milei scours for dollars ahead of midterms
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Predictable victory for Maduro
- COLOMBIA: Government backs strike amid divisions over labour reform
- ECUADOR: Noboa begins new term with bold energy and security plans
- BOLIVIA: Rodríguez struggles to build momentum
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Government’s fiscal plans spook markets again
- BRAZIL: US visa restrictions pile pressure on high-profile judge
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Teachers’ protests politicised
- MEXICO: Los Chapitos on the backfoot?
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- SURINAME: After elections, cross-party coalition talks underway
- PANAMA: Banana strike triggers state of emergency
POSTSCRIPT
- Boric gets ball rolling in bid to resolve Mapuche conflict
- Quotes of the week
Argentina’s President Javier Milei is chasing dollars at home and abroad to strengthen the peso, keep his economic recovery plan on track, and do well in midterm elections just over four months away.
Weekly Report - 22 May 2025 (WR-25-20)
Click here for full report
- Arce’s protégé wins MAS nomination as rivals cry foul
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Petro raises the heat on congress over referendum
- ECUADOR: Indigenous condemn new security bill
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Bird flu harbours larger risks for economy
- BRAZIL: Goiás passes AI law in snub of federal proposal
- ARGENTINA: Milei’s mastery over Macri
- PARAGUAY-ARGENTINA: Deal reached on binational dam
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: CDMX officials murdered
- MEXICO: Trump’s ambassador pick gets to work
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HAITI: Fils-Aimé clings on to prospect of elections
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele cracks down on critics
POSTSCRIPT
- Uruguay’s FA wins closely contested election
- Quotes of the week
Expectations that President Luis Arce was seeking to bridge the divide in Bolivia’s ruling left-wing Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) by dropping his plans for re-election were confounded on 16 May when one of his closest confidants, Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo, was proclaimed the party’s presidential candidate.
Weekly Report - 15 May 2025 (WR-25-19)
Click here for full report
- Left-leaning presidents back Beijing
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- PERU: Prime Minister resigns amid loss of confidence
- ECUADOR: Colombian guerrillas accused of massacring soldiers
- BOLIVIA: Arce bows out of presidential campaign
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- URUGUAY: Elections stand out for notable absence
- ARGENTINA: Milei and Macri battling for pre-eminence
- BRAZIL: PSD party torn over multiple presidential hopefuls
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: US decisions take government by surprise
- MEXICO: Political violence shakes Veracruz
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele turns on NGOs - again
- COSTA RICA: Chaves dismisses airport corruption charges
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Lawyer arrested ahead of Venezuela’s elections
- Quotes of the week
Diplomatic protocol suggests that ministerial-level meetings should, like this month’s China–Celac Forum reunion in Beijing, remain at that level (specifically it was intended for foreign ministers).
Weekly Report - 08 May 2025 (WR-25-18)
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- Venezuela embassy rescue embarrasses Maduro
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- PERU: Prime minister faces censure after miner massacre
- BOLIVIA: Judge’s arrest roils judiciary
- ECUADOR: Noboa inches towards majority in congress
- COLOMBIA: Petro summons spirt of Bolívar in congress clash
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Boric receives blueprint for ending Mapuche conflict
- BRAZIL: Lula replaces cabinet ministers with eye on 2026
- BRAZIL: Renewed institutional tensions over coup plot case
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Teuchitlán mayor arrested
- MEXICO: Judicial elections hit more speedbumps
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- NICARAGUA: Regime pulls out of Unesco over press award
- COSTA RICA: Opposition criticises Chaves for “authoritarian populism”
POSTSCRIPT
- Bullrich defects to Milei’s party amid Argentine electoral race
- Quotes of the week
One moment five Venezuelan opposition leaders were in the residence of the Argentine embassy in Caracas, where they had been confined for the previous 15 months.
Weekly Report - 01 May 2025 (WR-25-17)
Click here for full report
- Moderate left unites in Chile against right – and radical left
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- PERU: Gold boom comes with a cost
- BOLIVIA: Morales gets a boost in legal battle
- COLOMBIA: A new ‘plan pistola’
- VENEZUELA: Gearing up for more elections
- ECUADOR: Lessons from El Salvador
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Georgieva incenses Peronists
- BRAZIL: Minister under pressure from INSS corruption scandal
- BRAZIL: Lava Jato leads to another former president’s arrest
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: US agricultural disputes averted
- MEXICO: Telecoms bill sparks censorship concerns
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- PANAMA: Practicing the art of standing up to the US “discreetly”
- GUATEMALA: Porras arrests deputy minister
- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Opposition UNC claims emphatic victory
POSTSCRIPT
- Abinader under fire over Dominican deportation of Haitians
- Quotes of the week
Chile’s moderate left-wing parties closed ranks behind Carolina Tohá this week ahead of primary elections on 29 June.
Weekly Report - 24 April 2025 (WR-25-16)
Click here for full report
- Latin American papacy ends with mixed legacy
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Debate over labour reform referendum
- ECUADOR: Mexico dismisses Noboa assassination claims
- PERU: Former attorney general faces growing legal threat
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: No primary elections for right-wing opposition
- CHILE-BRAZIL: Boric and Lula call for closer alignment
- BRAZIL: Short-term relief for leftists in congress
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Tensions flare over migration
- MEXICO: Concerns rise over judicial candidates
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR-VENEZUELA: PR battle over prisoner exchange
- HONDURAS: Asfura makes his pitch
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Martinelli seeks corruption amnesty in Panama
- Quotes of the week
The most influential Latin American on the global stage, Pope Francis, the first non-European pontiff, died on 21 April.
Weekly Report - 17 April 2025 (WR-25-15)
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- Noboa crushes González in lopsided run-off
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- BOLIVIA: Government names alleged conspirators in coup plot
- PERU: Boluarte off the hook on Rolexgate
- VENEZUELA: Capriles expelled for “betraying unity”
- COLOMBIA: Yellow fever outbreak triggers emergency measures
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei removes the shackles
- CHILE: Vodanovic enters the fray
- BRAZIL: Government losing hold over conservative allies
- BRAZIL: Food inflation rears its head again
- BRAZIL: Activists slam potential rollback of indigenous land rights
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: More US tariff threats as water dispute escalates
- MEXICO: Trouble over tomatoes
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele deepens ties with Trump
POSTSCRIPT
- Venezuela cosies up to Russia as Guyana signs UK defence accord
- Quotes of the week
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has cruised into a second term after an unexpectedly decisive victory over Luisa González in the second round of presidential elections on 13 April.
Weekly Report - 10 April 2025 (WR-25-14)
Click here for full report
- Region reacts to Trump tariffs
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: US reacts to Petro policy proposals
- ECUADOR: Dead heat as campaigns close
- VENEZUELA: Economic emergency – again
- PERU: Extortion on wheels
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Senate strikes down Milei’s supreme court picks
- BRAZIL: Potential Bolsonaro successors seek closer ties
- BRAZIL: Resistance against government’s security reform
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: A cool head prevails
- MEXICO: Government under scrutiny over fatal festival accident
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- PANAMA: Dialling down the rhetoric
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Trinidad and Tobago gears up for elections
- Quotes of the week
On 2 April, dubbed “Liberation Day” by US President Donald Trump, the Washington administration set out the biggest and most abrupt pivot away from free trade seen in the last century.
Weekly Report - 03 April 2025 (WR-25-13)
Click here for full report
- González gains key support ahead of second round showdown
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: May elections: more PR than substance
- BOLIVIA: Morales launches new party as MAS moves on
- COLOMBIA: Lehder makes unexpected return
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Boric creates new ministry to tackle insecurity
- BRAZIL: Bolsonarismo struggles to win over centre-right allies
- BRAZIL-PARAGUAY: Brazil’s intelligence agency hit by another scandal
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum ducks more tariffs
- MEXICO: Blanco immunity vote causes stir
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HAITI: Armed gangs spread beyond capital
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Growing tension with Haiti
- EL SALVADOR: Getting close to Trump
POSTSCRIPT
- Argentina receives boost from Bretton Woods twins
- Quotes of the week
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa suffered a setback in his bid to win re-election on 13 April when his rival Luisa González received the endorsement of Pachakutik (PK) during an event at the weekend in return for incorporating some of the indigenous movement’s main priorities in her plan of governance.
Weekly Report - 27 March 2025 (WR-25-12)
Click here for full report
- US threatens 25% tariffs on buyers of Venezuelan crude
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- PERU: Congress strikes down key Boluarte ally
- ECUADOR: Feisty debate fails to produce a winner
- COLOMBIA: Petro appoints ally as finance minister
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei accused of historical revisionism
- CHILE: Pension reform signing acquires electoral dimension
- BRAZIL: Top court greenlights trial for Bolsonaro
- BRAZIL: Lula shores up Japan relations
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Progress in ranch investigation marred
- MEXICO: Teachers challenge Sheinbaum
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HONDURAS: Army and CNE clash over electoral fiasco
- PANAMA: Chinese rumblings over sale of ports
POSTSCRIPT
- Suriname gears up for elections
- Quotes of the week
The complex story of US economic sanctions against Venezuela took a new turn this week, with Washington both extending a waiver that allows the US energy giant Chevron to continue oil production in the country for another month, while at the same time announcing the imposition of new punitive measures against countries that buy Venezuelan oil, in the shape of a new 25% import tariff.
Weekly Report - 20 March 2025 (WR-25-11)
Click here for full report
- Going gets tougher for Milei
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Petro defiant as finance minister walks out
- PERU: Lima under emergency measures amid crime fears
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Opposition turns up the heat
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro holds lacklustre rally
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: New measures target disappearances
- MEXICO: Can praise prevent punishment?
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR-REGION: Tren de Aragua flights spark crisis
- BELIZE: Ruling PUP sweeps to victory
- GUATEMALA: Outrage as prominent journalist returned to prison
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Bolivian fuel shortages bite again
- Quotes of the week
Weekly Report - 13 March 2025 (WR-25-10)
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- Petro plans referendum on key reforms
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Maduro hits back at Chevron withdrawal order
- ECUADOR: Noboa calls in private security
- PERU: Castillo on hunger strike as trial begins
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei squares up for new battle in congress
- CHILE: Boric anniversary marred by resignations
- BRAZIL: Government hails rise in GDP growth
- BRAZIL: Opposition governor jumps ship
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum basks in adulation – for now
- MEXICO: Macabre discovery puts pressure on Sheinbaum
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HONDURAS: Ballot papers go AWOL
- PANAMA: Unions call strike over pension reform
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Ramdin becomes first Caribbean OAS chief
- Quotes of the week
Faced yet again with the failure of his labour reform bill to get through congress, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced on 11 March that he would instead put the legislation, as well as a divisive health reform bill, to the people in a national referendum.
Weekly Report - 06 March 2025 (WR-25-09)
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- Sheinbaum secures new delay to Trump tariffs
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Vice president sidelined in reshuffle
- VENEZUELA-GUYANA: Tensions rise as Venezuela harasses oil rigs
- ECUADOR: Pushback over oil deal
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- URUGUAY-ARGENTINA: Orsi investiture marred by Milei absence
- BRAZIL: Lula’s gestures to the left
- BRAZIL: Disappointing results for Petrobras
- CHILE: Tohá throws hat into the ring
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- PANAMA: BlackRock deal impacts the canal
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele’s crypto romance not yet over
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Mexico moves on anti-nepotism law - slowly
- Quotes of the week
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum is keeping her head amid intemperate outbursts that accompanied the unilateral imposition of a blanket 25% tariff on Mexican products by the US government of President Donald Trump this week.
Weekly Report - 27 February 2025 (WR-25-08)
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- Benedetti’s unstoppable rise continues in Colombia
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Maduro and Trump square off over crime train
- BOLIVIA: Morales leaves the MAS
- ECUADOR: A violent start to the year
- PERU: Boluarte entangled in new scandal
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei moves to cement ties with US
- PARAGUAY: Top brass embroiled in corruption scandal
- BRAZIL: Lula takes action as popularity slides
- CHILE: Massive blackout causes concern
MEXICO
- MEXICO: ‘El Mayo’ seeks return
- MEXICO: Judicial elections advance amid controversy
- MEXICO: Ban on planting GM wheat wins congressional backing
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- CUBA-REGION: Hegseth visits Gitmo
- HAITI: Gangs launch new offensive
POSTSCRIPT
- UN report savages Nicaraguan regime
- Quotes of the week
The ironclad support of Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro for his ally Armando Benedetti, who was appointed as interior minister on 25 February, continues to be the subject of intense speculation.
Weekly Report - 20 February 2025 (WR-25-07)
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- Brazil’s top prosecutor files charges against Bolsonaro
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Petro places defence ministry under military control
- ECUADOR: Rattled Noboa reshuffles his cabinet
- VENEZUELA: Maduro sets out constitutional reform package
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei embroiled in crypto scandal
- PARAGUAY: Congress dismisses disgraced deputy
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Yunes causes friction in Morena
- MEXICO: Government moves on housing reform
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Army ammunition goes missing as violent crime soars
- COSTA RICA: Worries over crime
- HONDURAS: Castro performs a U-turn
- PANAMA: Suntracs leads pension protests
POSTSCRIPT
- Bukele uses sweeping new powers to reform constitution
- Quotes of the week
Since November, Brazil’s attorney general Paulo Gonet has had a police report on file which recommended pressing criminal charges against former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) for alleged involvement in a plot to launch a miliary coup in 2022 [WR-24-47].
Weekly Report - 13 February 2025 (WR-25-06)
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- Noboa to face González in run-off after photo finish
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Petro loses top ministers as cabinet row deepens
- VENEZUELA: Deportation flights begin
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- PARAGUAY: Corruption scandal rocks system
- BRAZIL: Transparency concerns over congress budgetary grants
- BRAZIL: Semi-presidentialism debate reignited
- ARGENTINA: Election suspension a boon for Milei
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum responds to more US tariffs
- MEXICO: CDMX shooting raises concerns
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- REGION: Is an inverse migrant flow possible?
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele bashes USAID
POSTSCRIPT
- Former lawmaker assassinated in Peru
- Quotes of the week
Ecuador’s presidential elections will go to a second round on 13 April.
Weekly Report - 06 February 2025 (WR-25-05)
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- Rubio visit marks regional reset
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Ministers walk out on Petro after cabinet broadcast
- VENEZUELA: Limited thaw in relations with Washington?
- ECUADOR: Noboa aligns with Trump ahead of elections
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei to pull out of WHO
- BRAZIL: Moderate conservatives win congress leadership race
- CHILE-VENEZUELA: Diplomatic rift deepens
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum buoyant as US suspends tariffs
POSTSCRIPT
- Boluarte conducts mini reshuffle amid corruption claims
- Quotes of the week
Mulino, who described the meeting with Rubio as “respectful and cordial” and said it should help “to increase as much as possible US investments in Panama”, insisted that Panama’s sovereignty over the Canal is not in question.
Weekly Report - 30 January 2025 (WR-25-04)
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- Petro incurs Trump’s wrath
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: More elections, less credibility
- ECUADOR: Noboa closes in on re-election
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Pension breakthrough for Boric
- ARGENTINA: Milei blasts “woke ideology” at Davos
- BRAZIL: Lula’s disapproval surpasses approval rating
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sinaloa reaches breaking point
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum guns for GM corn ban
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele positioned on Trump’s migration good side
- PANAMA: Mulino defends ownership of the Canal
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Morales allies prepare to form new party in Bolivia
- Quotes of the week
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has come away with a bloody nose after he attempted to push back against US President Donald Trump’s forceful early moves on migration.
Weekly Report - 23 January 2025 (WR-25-03)
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- Petro declares war on the ELN
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Seeking a Trump 2.0 deal?
- ECUADOR: Noboa weathers criticism in scrappy debate
- PERU: Explosion at the prosecutor’s office
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Matthei makes bold bid to unite right
- ARGENTINA: Milei gets surplus boost
- BRAZIL: Rocky road ahead for new COP30 president
- BRAZIL: Lula tells cabinet 2026 elections have begun
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum responds as Trump gets down to work
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- PANAMA: Mulino sets out defence of Canal
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Bukele not bullet-proof
- Quotes of the week
The troubled peace process between Colombia’s government and the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) guerrilla group moved closer to total collapse on 16 January when the ELN launched a major offensive in the north-eastern department of Norte de Santander.
Weekly Report - 16 January 2025 (WR-25-02)
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- Maduro’s inauguration leaves opposition facing bleak future
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- ECUADOR: Noboa curtails leave of absence
- BOLIVIA: Morales skips court date as supporters rally
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Buoyed by economy, Milei eyes political challenges
- BRAZIL: Inflation concerns weigh on government
- CHILE: Boric ups subsidies, agrees pension compromise
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum celebrates first major milestone
- MEXICO: Plan México seeks to please Trump, private sector
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- CUBA: Thaw before the big freeze?
- HAITI: Barbados backs out as crisis deepens
POSTSCRIPT
- Fujimori wins reprieve in money laundering trial
- Quotes of the week
Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term on 10 January.
Weekly Report - 09 January 2025 (WR-25-01)
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- Venezuela’s election dispute reaches endgame
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- ECUADOR: Vice president replaced as campaign period begins
- COLOMBIA-PARAGUAY: Prison murder upsets criminal investigations
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Milei’s chainsaw still revving in second year
- CHILE: Boric’s Antarctic trip eclipsed by botched Allende deal
- BRAZIL: Notable absentees at capital riots anniversary
- BRAZIL: Opportunities at the helm of Brics
MEXICO
- MEXICO: State airline in trouble
- MEXICO: Escalating violence in Tabasco
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Congress repeals mining ban
- SURINAME: Bouterse’s death could influence elections
- HONDURAS: Former coup leader arrested
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo lifts minimum wage
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Murillo gives firm response to Trump over Panama Canal
- Quotes of the week
Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro seems all but certain to be sworn in for a third term on 10 January despite a final push by the political opposition to try and encourage a military rebellion against his leadership.
Brazil & Southern Cone - August 2025
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- Introduction
Brazil
- Trump tariffs drive trade rethink
- Brics summit points to uncertain future
- High-flying Embraer faces geopolitical balancing act
Argentina
- Milei’s row with VP dampens economic success
- Milei juggles legal mess over YPF nationalisation
Chile
- Military personnel caught trafficking drugs
Paraguay
- Congress rejects proposal to shoot down suspicious aircraft
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This August edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins with an analysis of trade relations between the US and Brazil.
Security & Strategic Review - August 2025
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- Wide-ranging security bills raise concerns in Mexico
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- ECUADOR: Security forces boosted by sweeping new laws
- PERU: Turning the tide on coca?
- COLOMBIA: Former Chiquita employees sentenced for paramilitary links
- VENEZUELA: The revolving door of repression
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Brics summit points to uncertain future
- CHILE: Military personnel caught trafficking drugs
- PARAGUAY: Congress rejects proposal to shoot down suspicious aircraft
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: US steps up sanctions on major cartels
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum repositions Mexico on global stage
CENTRAL AMERICA
- GUATEMALA: Renewed focus on need for water law
- NICARAGUA: Killing of dissident exile causes commotion
- COSTA RICA: Former security minister charged with drug offences in US
CARIBBEAN
- SURINAME: Huge responsibility for new government
- REGION: In search of energy independence
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum used an extraordinary ten-day session of congress from 23 June to 2 July to significantly advance her government’s national security strategy.
Mexico - August 2025
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- Introduction
Security & Politics
- Wide-ranging security bills raise concerns
Security
- US steps up sanctions on major cartels
Diplomacy
- Sheinbaum repositions Mexico on global stage
Aviation
- US aviation restrictions sour relations
Mining
- Mining sector sees modest recovery in 2024
Housing
- CDMX announces housing programme after anti-gentrification protests
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This August 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico begins by examining a raft of security-related legislation passed during an extraordinary ten-day session of congress from 23 June to 2 July.
Caribbean & Central America - August 2025
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- Introduction
Central America
- GUATEMALA: Renewed focus on need for water law
- NICARAGUA: Killing of dissident exile causes commotion
- COSTA RICA: Former security minister charged with drug offences in US
- EL SALVADOR: IMF releases funds after successful review
- PANAMA: Government hails removal from EU blacklist
- REGION: First European Union-Central America Association Council takes place
Caribbean
- SURINAME: Huge responsibility for new government
- REGION: In search of energy independence
- REGION: The cost of sargassum
- CUBA: New sanctions as economy deteriorates
- JAMAICA: Green economy could create jobs
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
In early July international NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a new report documenting the human rights toll of inadequate access to water and sanitation in Guatemala.
Brazil & Southern Cone - July 2025
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- Introduction
Brazil
- Brazil pursues oil exploration drive that taints green credentials
- Tax defeat reflects broader fiscal troubles
- Social media companies to be held liable for content
Argentina
- Cristina Fernández’s conviction upheld in Argentina
- Controversial decree grants police new powers
Paraguay
- Hacking and data breaches raise cybersecurity concerns
Uruguay
- Orsi gets extra cash to settle debt and boost spending
Region
- MercadoLibre takes battle with Nubank to home market
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This July edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins with a look at the oil exploration drive in Brazil, where the federal oil regulator (ANP) held an auction in June for oil exploration concessions, some of which were in the ecologically sensitive waters near the mouth of the Amazon River.
Security & Strategic Review - July 2025
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- Cristina Fernández’s conviction upheld in Argentina
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- ECUADOR: One step closer to the return of foreign military bases
- COLOMBIA: Petro accused of inciting violence as senator shot
- COLOMBIA: Elected to the UN Security Council
- PERU: Counting the cost of crime
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Controversial decree grants police new powers
- BRAZIL: Social media companies to be held liable for content
- PARAGUAY: Hacking and data breaches raise cybersecurity concerns
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Judicial elections prompt democracy concerns
- MEXICO: Questions abound over murder of CDMX aides
- MEXICO: Hope despite major setback for arms trafficking lawsuit
CENTRAL AMERICA
- HONDURAS/REGION: Press freedom concerns build ahead of election
- GUATEMALA: UN rapporteur signals fresh concern over attorney general’s office
- PANAMA: Unions decry persecution
CARIBBEAN
- REGION: Eastern Caribbean states in search of solutions
One of the most divisive political figures in Argentina’s recent history, former president (2007-2015) and vice president (2019-2023) Cristina Fernández, began serving her prison sentence under house arrest on 17 June, after the supreme court (CSJN) upheld her conviction on corruption charges a week earlier.
Andean Group - August 2025
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- Introduction
Ecuador
- Security forces boosted by sweeping new laws
- Noboa taps China and IMF for energy and budget fix
Peru
- Turning the tide on coca?
- Gov’t announces end to mining formalisation programme
Colombia
- Former Chiquita employees sentenced for paramilitary links
Venezuela
- The revolving door of repression
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has made some assertive moves on security policy since being sworn in for a second term in late May.
Economy & Business - August 2025
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- US aviation restrictions on Mexico sour relations
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- ECUADOR: Noboa taps China and IMF for energy and budget fix
- PERU: Gov’t announces end to mining formalisation programme
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Trump tariffs drive trade rethink
- BRAZIL: High-flying Embraer faces geopolitical balancing act
- ARGENTINA: Milei’s row with VP dampens economic success
- ARGENTINA: Milei juggles legal mess over YPF nationalisation
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: IMF releases funds after successful review
- PANAMA: Government hails removal from EU blacklist
- REGION: First European Union-Central America Association Council takes place
- REGION: The cost of sargassum
- CUBA: New sanctions as economy deteriorates
- JAMAICA: Green economy could create jobs
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Mining sector sees modest recovery in 2024
- MEXICO: CDMX announces housing programme after anti-gentrification protests
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
A fresh spat has erupted between the US and Mexico with potentially serious implications for the aviation sector after the administration of US President Donald Trump imposed restrictions on the operating rights of Mexican airlines in response to the country’s “abuse” of a bilateral aviation agreement.
Mexico - July 2025
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- Introduction
Politics & Justice
- Judicial elections prompt democracy concerns
Security & Politics
- Questions abound over murder of CDMX aides
Security & Justice
- Hope despite major setback for arms trafficking lawsuit
Finance
- Backlash from US sanctions puts Mexican banks on edge
Business
- Tariffs prompt GM to refocus Mexican production in US
Investment
- Major brewery investment raises concerns in southeast
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This July 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico begins by looking at the country’s first-ever judicial elections which concluded with sweeping victories in key courts for candidates aligned with the ruling Movimiento Regeneración Nacional (Morena).
Caribbean & Central America - July 2025
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- Introduction
Central America
- HONDURAS/REGION: Press freedom concerns build ahead of election
- GUATEMALA: UN rapporteur signals fresh concern over attorney general’s office
- PANAMA: Unions decry persecution
- HONDURAS: IMF praises economic policy despite concerns of public
- COSTA RICA: Study highlights risks to investment climate
Caribbean
- REGION: Eastern Caribbean states in search of solutions
- REGION: US tax on remittances poses economic threat
- BARBADOS: Growth set to ease in 2025
- JAMAICA: Strong second quarter numbers expected
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
Various international press freedom lobbies and institutions have flagged up concerns regarding reports of criminalisation of the press by the police and military in Honduras, one of the world’s deadliest countries for journalists.
Brazil & Southern Cone - June 2025
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- Introduction
Brazil-Region
- China invests big amid Trump tariff crusade
Brazil
- JBS listing on NYSE shines spotlight on tainted record
- Plan to demolish São Paulo favela proves controversial
- Gov’t resists pressure to designate gangs as terrorists
Chile
- Gov’t backs proposals to resolve Mapuche conflict
Argentina
- Milei tightens migration laws
Paraguay-Brazil
- US shoutout puts spotlight on Itaipú potential
Uruguay
- Latest poverty rates aren’t much to celebrate
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This June edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins with a look at the cooperation agreements between China and South American countries including Brazil and Chile, the presidents of which travelled to Beijing in May.
Security & Strategic Review - June 2025
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- El Salvador’s Bukele doubles down on dissent
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- REGION: Massacres highlight threat posed by illegal mining
- VENEZUELA/GUYANA: Tensions rise over Essequibo ‘elections’
- COLOMBIA: Internal displacement surges
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Gov’t backs proposals to resolve Mapuche conflict
- BRAZIL: Plan to demolish São Paulo favela proves controversial
- BRAZIL: Gov’t resists pressure to designate gangs as terrorists
- ARGENTINA: Milei tightens migration laws
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Alarm raised over controversial telecoms bill
- MEXICO: Judicial elections spark security fears
- MEXICO: Forced internal displacement on the rise
CENTRAL AMERICA
- COSTA RICA: Chaves’ security boasts ring hollow
- GUATEMALA: Porras targets key Arévalo support base
CARIBBEAN
- REGION: Rubio moves to shore up US-Caribbean relations
The recent approval of a ‘foreign agents’ law and arrests of high-profile human rights defenders (HRDs) have left little doubt that El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele is intent on taking an increasingly hard line on dissent.
Andean Group - July 2025
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- Introduction
Ecuador
- One step closer to the return of foreign military bases
- Higher costs but more opportunities after mining overhaul
Colombia
- Fiscal unravelling triggers credit downgrades
- Petro accused of inciting violence as senator shot
- Elected to the UN Security Council
Bolivia
- The rise of roadblocks as a pressure tactic
Peru
- Central bank criticises finance ministry
- Counting the cost of crime
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
President Daniel Noboa has moved one step closer to overturning Ecuador’s constitutional ban on foreign military bases, which is one of the defining legacies of former president Rafael Correa (2007-2017).
Economy & Business - July 2025
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- Brazil pursues oil exploration drive that taints green credentials
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- ECUADOR: Higher costs but more opportunities after mining overhaul
- COLOMBIA: Fiscal unravelling triggers credit downgrades
- BOLIVIA: The rise of roadblocks as a pressure tactic
- PERU: Central bank criticises finance ministry
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Tax defeat reflects broader fiscal troubles
- URUGUAY: Orsi gets extra cash to settle debt and boost spending
- REGION: MercadoLibre takes battle with Nubank to home market
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HONDURAS: IMF praises economic policy despite concerns of public
- COSTA RICA: Study highlights risks to investment climate
- REGION: US tax on remittances poses economic threat
- BARBADOS: Growth set to ease in 2025
- JAMAICA: Strong second quarter numbers expected
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Backlash from US sanctions puts Mexican banks on edge
- MEXICO: Tariffs prompt GM to refocus Mexican production in US
- MEXICO: Major brewery investment raises concerns in southeast
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
The Agência Nacional de Petróleo (ANP), Brazil’s hydrocarbons regulator, held an auction on 17 June and tendered the rights to drill for oil in 34 blocks totaling over 28,000 square km, a total area nearly the size of Belgium.
Mexico - June 2025
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- Introduction
Politics
- Alarm raised over controversial telecoms bill
Security
- Judicial elections spark security fears
- Forced internal displacement on the rise
Business
- Private sector warns plans to cut working week could backfire
Finance
- Norway’s wealth fund sells all Pemex bonds
Economy & Security
- Violence having growing impact on economy
Economy
- Proposed US tax on remittances causes concern
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This June 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico begins by looking at a controversial telecommunications and broadcasting reform bill that the government led by President Claudia Sheinbaum submitted and then hastily withdrew from congress in April amid accusations of censorship. Human rights and press freedom groups, industry organisations, and the political opposition have since raised multiple concerns about the bill, which has been the focus of discussions in congress.
Caribbean & Central America - June 2025
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- Introduction
Central America
- EL SALVADOR: El Salvador’s Bukele doubles down on dissent
- COSTA RICA: Chaves’ security boasts ring hollow
- GUATEMALA: Porras targets key Arévalo support base
- NICARAGUA: Mining projects in Nicaragua advance despite US sanctions
- GUATEMALA: US agrees port modernisation deal
Caribbean
- REGION: Rubio moves to shore up US-Caribbean relations
- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Trinidad & Tobago’s new government faces fiscal squeeze
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This June 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Caribbean & Central America begins in El Salvador where the recent approval of a ‘foreign agents’ law and arrests of high-profile human rights defenders (HRDs) have left little doubt that President Nayib Bukele is intent on taking an increasingly hard line on dissent.
Brazil & Southern Cone - May 2025
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- Introduction
Argentina
- End of currency controls largely successful, for now
Brazil
- Tighter rules for police in Rio favelas
- Supreme court will have final word on outsourcing disputes
Paraguay-Brazil
- Spying scandal impacts bilateral Itaipú talks
Chile
- Boric scores with SQM-Codelco but lithium faces challenges
- Botched museum project topples veteran senator
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This May edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins with an analysis of the President Javier Milei’s decision to lift currency and capital controls in Argentina, which was facilitated by a sizable financing package led by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Security & Strategic Review - May 2025
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- Ecuador’s Noboa re-elected as cracks show in his security plan
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: ELN splinter group demobilises in first win for ‘total peace’ plan
- BOLIVIA: Fresh allegations about 2024 uprising
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Tighter rules for police in Rio favelas
- PARAGUAY-BRAZIL: Spying scandal impacts bilateral Itaipú talks
- CHILE: Botched museum project topples veteran senator
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: States crack down on narcocorridos
- MEXICO: Drought drives tensions with Trump
- MEXICO: Bullfighting bans come into force
CENTRAL AMERICA
- PANAMA: Security agreements with US prove contentious
- EL SALVADOR: Behind the deportations to Cecot
- NICARAGUA: Changes to military code approved
CARIBBEAN
- HAITI: From very bad to even worse
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa scored a thumping re-election victory on 13 April that was due in no small part to his hardline stance against criminal gangs.
Andean Group - June 2025
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- Introduction
Region
- Massacres highlight threat posed by illegal mining
Colombia
- Internal displacement surges
- Descending into violence and financial disorder
Venezuela
- Maduro seeks to offset impact of Chevron withdrawal
- Tensions rise over Essequibo ‘elections’
Peru
- New finance minister appointed
Bolivia
- IMF raises concern over perilous state of economy
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
The danger posed by illegal mining has received renewed attention in Peru and Ecuador following two massacres in late April and early May which left 24 people dead.
Economy & Business - June 2025
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- Trinidad & Tobago’s new government faces fiscal squeeze
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Descending into violence and financial disorder
- VENEZUELA: Maduro seeks to offset impact of Chevron withdrawal
- PERU: New finance minister appointed
- BOLIVIA: IMF raises concern over perilous state of economy
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL-REGION: China invests big amid Trump tariff crusade
- BRAZIL: JBS listing on NYSE shines spotlight on tainted record
- PARAGUAY-BRAZIL: US shoutout puts spotlight on Itaipú potential
- URUGUAY: Latest poverty rates aren’t much to celebrate
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- NICARAGUA: Mining projects in Nicaragua advance despite US sanctions
- GUATEMALA: US agrees port modernisation deal
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Private sector warns plans to cut working week could backfire
- MEXICO: Norway’s wealth fund sells all Pemex bonds
- MEXICO: Violence having growing impact on economy
- MEXICO: Proposed US tax on remittances causes concern
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Veteran centrist Trinidad & Tobago politician Kamla Persad-Bissessar was sworn in as the country’s new prime minister on 1 May, after her party, the United National Congress (UNC) won a landslide victory on 28 April.
Mexico - May 2025
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- Introduction
Politics & Security
- States crack down on narcocorridos
Environment
- Drought drives tensions with Trump
Politics & Justice
- Bullfighting bans come into force
Agriculture
- Gov’t addresses US agricultural disputes
Infrastructure
- Water infrastructure to be revamped
Economy
- Recession narrowly avoided in first quarter
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
We begin this May 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico by looking at debates around ‘narcocorridos’, a sub-genre of the traditional Mexican corrido musical genre, that have intensified following two high-profile incidents at concerts in the states of Jalisco and Estado de México (Edomex).
Caribbean & Central America - May 2025
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- Introduction
Central America
- PANAMA: Security agreements with US prove contentious
- EL SALVADOR: Behind the deportations to Cecot
- NICARAGUA: Changes to military code approved
- REGION: Trump tariffs uncertainty causes widespread concerns
- PANAMA: Social security reforms spark protests
- REGION: New Oxfam report sheds light on cost of tax evasion
Caribbean
- HAITI: From very bad to even worse
- REGION: Preparing for the tariff shock
- CUBA: No early end to power cuts
- JAMAICA: Texas company moves into power sector
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
We begin this May 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Caribbean & Central America by considering agreements relating to security and the Panama Canal inked by Panama and the US during a recent visit to Panama by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth which are proving contentious.
Brazil & Southern Cone - April 2025
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- Introduction
Region
- Any silver lining for Latin America in Washington's trade war?
Uruguay
- New gov't raises urgency on insecurity
Argentina
- Flash flood devastates city in Buenos Aires province
- Milei forces through judicial picks
Brazil
- Tax breaks and cheap credit are to kick start growth
- Local authorities ramp up hardline security stance
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This April edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins with a regional outlook, examining the reactions in Latin America to US tariffs that President Donald Trump announced on 2 April.
Security & Strategic Review - April 2025
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- Mexico’s gov’t tested by tragic discovery
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA/EL SALVADOR: Tren de Aragua becomes focus of Trump’s deportation drive
- PERU: Congress sends warning to Boluarte about insecurity
- ECUADOR: Landslides and oil spills – a recurrent problem
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- URUGUAY: New gov’t raises urgency on insecurity
- ARGENTINA: Flash flood devastates city in Buenos Aires province
- ARGENTINA: Milei forces through judicial picks
- BRAZIL: Local authorities ramp up hardline security stance
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: School violence in the spotlight
- MEXICO: Mass extradition seeks to appease US
CENTRAL AMERICA
- HONDURAS: Concerns over campaign finance
- PANAMA/COSTA RICA: Dramatic plunge in migration through the Darién
- NICARAGUA: Withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council
CARIBBEAN
- BELIZE: PUP holds onto power
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC/HAITI: Dominican Republic clamps down on Haitian migrants
- JAMAICA: Homicide rate trending down
- GUYANA/VENEZUELA: New coastal incursion
President Claudia Sheinbaum is facing a critical moment.
Andean Group - May 2025
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- Introduction
Ecuador
- Noboa re-elected as cracks show in his security plan
- Economy and security vie for attention
Colombia
- ELN splinter group demobilises in first win for ‘total peace’ plan
Bolivia
- Fresh allegations about 2024 uprising
- Minimum wage hike outpaced by galloping inflation
Venezuela
- Economy tanks even before US sanctions
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa scored a thumping re-election victory on 13 April that was due in no small part to his hardline stance against criminal gangs.
Economy & Business - May 2025
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- Economy and security vie for Noboa’s focus in Ecuador
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- BOLIVIA: Minimum wage hike outpaced by galloping inflation
- VENEZUELA: Economy tanks even before US sanctions
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: End of currency controls largely successful, for now
- BRAZIL: Supreme court will have final word on outsourcing disputes
- CHILE: Boric scores with SQM-Codelco but lithium faces challenges
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- REGION: Trump tariffs uncertainty causes widespread concerns
- PANAMA: Social security reforms spark protests
- REGION: New Oxfam report sheds light on cost of tax evasion
- REGION: Preparing for the tariff shock
- CUBA: No early end to power cuts
- JAMAICA: Texas company moves into power sector
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Gov’t addresses US agricultural disputes
- MEXICO: Water infrastructure to be revamped
- MEXICO: Recession narrowly avoided in first quarter
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
President Daniel Noboa won his re-election bid in April with a wider-than-expected margin of 11 percentage points over his left-wing challenger Luisa González.
Caribbean & Central America - April 2025
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- Introduction
Central America
- HONDURAS: Concerns over campaign finance
- PANAMA/COSTA RICA: Dramatic plunge in migration through the Darién
- NICARAGUA: Withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council
- EL SALVADOR: IMF confirms US$1.4bn financing agreement
- HONDURAS: National blackout highlights continued issues in energy sector
Caribbean
- BELIZE: PUP holds onto power
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC/HAITI: Dominican Republic clamps down on Haitian migrants
- JAMAICA: Homicide rate trending down
- GUYANA/VENEZUELA: New coastal incursion
- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: US revokes licences for Trinidad-Venezuela gas projects
- ST LUCIA: Strong growth but debt burden still heavy
- REGION: Food security still a cause for concern
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
Even before the chaos which characterised the 9 March primaries ahead of Honduras’ 30 November 2025 general elections [WR-25-10], civil society groups had raised multiple concerns about the electoral process – not least the lack of transparency of campaign finance as the first piece in this April 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Caribbean & Central America explores.
Mexico - April 2025
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- Introduction
Security
- Gov’t tested by tragic discovery
- Mass extradition seeks to appease US
Education
- School violence in the spotlight
Trade
- Gov’t seeks to soften blow of US automotive tariffs
Poverty
- World Bank prescribes policies for poverty reduction
Politics
- Teachers’ protests set to intensify despite concessions
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
We begin this April 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico by looking at a tragic discovery that is providing a critical test for President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Brazil & Southern Cone - March 2025
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- Introduction
Argentina
- Argentine government bolsters border security
- Is Milei serious about a trade deal with the US?
- Patagonia reels from forest fire outbreaks
Uruguay
- Orsi straddles growth and welfare objectives
Chile
- Copper exports surge as investments pay off
- Gov't seeks regional allies on anti-gang policies
Brazil
- Gol and Azul merger to strengthen aviation industry
- Violent death rate continues to drop
Region
- MercadoLibre defies weak regional economies
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This March edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins by looking at the efforts of the government of Argentina to tackle transnational crime around the country’s northern borders.
Security & Strategic Review - March 2025
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- Argentine government bolsters border security
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: New defence minister faces daunting challenges
- ECUADOR: Noboa and González face off in security-focused election
- BOLIVIA: Coca production ticks up
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Patagonia reels from forest fire outbreaks
- CHILE-REGION: Gov’t seeks regional allies on anti-gang policies
- BRAZIL: Violent death rate continues to drop
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Trump goes after drug cartels
- MEXICO: Violence rises in Tabasco
- MEXICO: Corruption credentials under scrutiny
CENTRAL AMERICA
- EL SALVADOR/REGION: Accommodating Trump’s migration-related demands
- HONDURAS: Flare-up of Bajo Aguán violence
- EL SALVADOR: Public financing of political parties scrapped
- NICARAGUA: Voluntary police force gains constitutional recognition
CARIBBEAN
- REGION: Caricom facing “wave after wave” of crises
Security Minister Patricia Bullrich has been ramping up her rhetoric calling for greater efforts to tackle transnational crime around Argentina’s borders, highlighting government plans to shore up border security.
Andean Group - April 2025
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- Introduction
Venezuela/El Salvador
- Tren de Aragua becomes focus of Trump’s deportation drive
Venezuela
- Public sector pays price for electricity shortages
Bolivia
- Fuel shortages take their toll
Colombia
- Sabre-rattling grows as referendum marks early campaigning
Peru
- Congress sends warning to Boluarte about insecurity
Ecuador
- Landslides and oil spills – a recurrent problem
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
It is only in the last three years that the Tren de Aragua (TdA), an organised crime group of Venezuelan origin, began generating concern abroad, but in that timeframe the group has leapt towards the forefront of policymakers’ agendas.
Economy & Business - April 2025
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- Any silver lining for Latin America in Washington’s trade war?
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Sabre-rattling grows as referendum marks early campaigning
- BOLIVIA: Fuel shortages take their toll
- VENEZUELA: Public sector pays price for electricity shortages
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Tax breaks and cheap credit are to kick start growth
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: IMF confirms US$1.4bn financing agreement
- HONDURAS: National blackout highlights continued issues in energy sector
- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: US revokes licences for Trinidad-Venezuela gas projects
- ST LUCIA: Strong growth but debt burden still heavy
- REGION: Food security still a cause for concern
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Gov’t seeks to soften blow of US automotive tariffs
- MEXICO: World Bank prescribes policies for poverty reduction
- MEXICO: Teachers’ protests set to intensify despite concessions
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
US President Donald Trump’s tariff war has been described as the biggest blow to the global trade order in a century.
Mexico - March 2025
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- Introduction
Politics & Security
- Trump goes after drug cartels
Security
- Violence rises in Tabasco
Corruption
- Corruption credentials under scrutiny
Remittances
- Trump’s deportation drive threatens remittances
Oil
- Pemex plagued by crude oil quality issues
Tourism
- Sheinbaum lays out tourism targets
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This March 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico begins by looking at the US State Department’s designation of six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organisations (FTOs).
Caribbean & Central America - March 2025
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- Introduction
Central America
- EL SALVADOR/REGION: Accommodating Trump’s migration-related demands
- HONDURAS: Flare-up of Bajo Aguán violence
- EL SALVADOR: Public financing of political parties scrapped
- NICARAGUA: Voluntary police force gains constitutional recognition
- PANAMA: World Bank highlights structural issues holding back development
- COSTA RICA: Chaves vetoes bill on low-cost flights
Caribbean
- REGION: Caricom facing “wave after wave” of crises
- GUYANA: Government plans shift to gas
- GRENADA: Post Beryl economic bounce-back
- JAMAICA: Politicians divided over recession fears
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
We begin this March 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Caribbean & Central America with a look at how Central American countries have been scrambling to comply with US President Donald Trump’s declared priority of enacting mass deportations of migrants – a strategy which has major implications for the sub-region.
Brazil & Southern Cone - February 2025
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- Introduction
Brazil
- Cloud of inflation hangs over Lula in Brazil
- Crime waves flares up in Amazonian border state
Argentina
- NGOs alarmed over government’s security policies
- Milei notches up economic victories
- Setbacks for indigenous land rights
Chile
- Pension reform prompts guarded optimism
- Boric reaffirms Chilean claim in Antarctica
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This February edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins with a look at the resurgence of inflation concerns in Brazil.
Security & Strategic Review - February 2025
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- Beyond Trump’s Panama Canal claims
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: ELN offensive puts conflict at ‘dangerous inflection point’
- PERU: Bomb attacks in two cities
- REGION: Tren de Aragua under the spotlight
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: NGOs alarmed over government’s security policies
- ARGENTINA: Setbacks for indigenous land rights
- BRAZIL: Crime wave flares up in Amazonian border state
- CHILE: Boric reaffirms Chilean claim in Antarctica
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum targets firearms
- MEXICO: Concerns persist over journalists’ safety
- MEXICO: Air pollution causes alarm
CENTRAL AMERICA
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo marks one year in office, struggles with key pledge
- EL SALVADOR: Mixed movement on transitional justice
CARIBBEAN
- SURINAME: Suriname’s moment
Donald Trump’s threat upon his 20 January inauguration as US president to take back the Panama Canal, based on claims of Chinese involvement in the waterway, and complaints of high fees, was among the most headline-grabbing of his announcements.
Andean Group - March 2025
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- Introduction
Colombia
- New defence minister faces daunting challenges
- Ecopetrol in a quandary
Peru
- Plans advance for major railway expansion
Ecuador
- Noboa and González face off in security-focused election
- Economic growth hinges on curbing violence
Bolivia
- Coca production ticks up
- First steel plant begins production
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
General Pedro Sánchez was sworn in as Colombia’s new defence minister on 19 February, replacing Iván Velásquez (2022-2025) as President Gustavo Petro bucked a longstanding norm that has seen the defence ministry under civilian control for most of the last four decades.
Economy & Business - March 2025
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- Trump’s deportation drive threatens Mexican remittances
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- ECUADOR: Economic growth hinges on curbing violence
- COLOMBIA: Ecopetrol in a quandary
- PERU: Plans advance for major railway expansion
- BOLIVIA: First steel plant begins production
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- URUGUAY: Orsi straddles growth and welfare objectives
- ARGENTINA: Is Milei serious about a trade deal with the US?
- CHILE: Copper exports surge as investments pay off
- BRAZIL: Gol and Azul merger to strengthen aviation industry
- REGION: MercadoLibre defies weak regional economies
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- PANAMA: World Bank highlights structural issues holding back development
- COSTA RICA: Chaves vetoes bill on low-cost flights
- GUYANA: Government plans shift to gas
- GRENADA: Post Beryl economic bounce-back
- JAMAICA: Politicians divided over recession fears
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Pemex plagued by crude oil quality issues
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum lays out tourism targets
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
The return to power of Donald Trump in the US has raised concerns over the impact that the volatile leader’s drive to deport illegal migrants and ramp up border security could have on remittances in Mexico, where they represent the largest single source of foreign income.
Mexico - February 2025
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- Introduction
Security & Politics
- Sheinbaum targets firearms
Security
- Concerns persist over journalists’ safety
Environment
- Air pollution causes alarm
Trade
- Plan México to boost national industry, keep China in check
- New EU trade deal aims to up trade and cooperation
Infrastructure
- Sheinbaum to invest in road infrastructure
Politics
- Sheinbaum advances constitutional reform on GM corn
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
We begin this February 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico by examining President Claudia Sheinbaum’s efforts to reduce gun violence.
Caribbean & Central America - February 2025
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- Introduction
Central America
- PANAMA: Beyond Trump’s Panama Canal claims
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo marks one year in office, struggles with key pledge
- EL SALVADOR: Mixed movement on transitional justice
- COSTA RICA: Rains and labour shortages add to structural issues in coffee sector
- NICARAGUA: Ortega revives plan for interoceanic canal
Caribbean
- SURINAME: Suriname’s moment
- REGION: Economic growth unchanged for 2025 but risks are growing
- CUBA: Government announces new dollarisation moves
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
Donald Trump’s threat upon his 20 January inauguration as US president to take back the Panama Canal, based on claims of Chinese involvement in the waterway, and complaints of high fees, was among the most headline-grabbing of his announcements.
Brazil & Southern Cone - January 2025
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- Introduction
Region
- Mercosur and EU seal the deal, again
Brazil
- Spectre of putschist legacy looms over military
- Authorities call for measures against police brutality
- Rising debt weighs on economic prospects
- Lower house plugs hole in tax reform
Argentina
- Growth and IMF raise Milei success prospect
Chile
- Congress passes key security legislation
Paraguay
- Doubts over commitment to DEA cooperation
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This January edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins with an analysis of the free trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) regional trade bloc, which had been in the making for a quarter of a century.
Security & Strategic Review - January 2025
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- Another low point for Bolivia’s counter-narcotics agency
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Mancuso sentenced for war crimes
- PERU: Expanding the prison network
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Spectre of putschist legacy looms over military
- BRAZIL: Authorities call for measures against police brutality
- CHILE: Congress passes key security legislation
- PARAGUAY: Doubts over commitment to DEA cooperation
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Clamping down on fentanyl
- MEXICO: Scope of mandatory pretrial detention extended
- MEXICO: More states decriminalise abortion
CENTRAL AMERICA
- NICARAGUA: Consolidating absolute power
- HONDURAS: More doubts over the state of exception
- REGION: Claims of progress in combatting gender violence ring hollow
CARIBBEAN
- HAITI: Daunting obstacles to economic recovery
The 12 December extradition to the US of Maximiliano Dávila, who headed Bolivia’s counter-narcotics agency (FELCN) in 2019, dealt yet another hammer blow to the organisation’s reputation.
Andean Group - February 2025
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- Introduction
Colombia
- ELN offensive puts conflict at ‘dangerous inflection point’
- Tourist arrivals smash records in 2024
Venezuela
- Interpreting Trump’s first moves on Venezuela
Bolivia
- Another Fitch downgrade as problems mount
Peru
- Bomb attacks in two cities
Region
- Tren de Aragua under the spotlight
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
A rapid offensive by the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) guerrilla group in north-eastern Colombia has all but dashed hopes for a negotiated peace settlement and has forced an uncharacteristically bellicose response from President Gustavo Petro.
Economy & Business - February 2025
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- Cloud of inflation hangs over Lula in Brazil
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Could Trump be Maduro’s economic lifeline?
- COLOMBIA: Tourist arrivals smash records in 2024
- BOLIVIA: Another Fitch downgrade as problems mount
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Pension reform prompts guarded optimism
- ARGENTINA: Milei notches up economic victories
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- COSTA RICA: Rains and labour shortages add to structural issues in coffee sector
- NICARAGUA: Ortega revives plan for interoceanic canal
- REGION: Economic growth unchanged for 2025 but risks are growing
- CUBA: Government announces new dollarisation moves
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Plan México to boost national industry, keep China in check
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum to invest in road infrastructure
- MEXICO: New EU trade deal aims to up trade and cooperation
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum advances constitutional reform on GM corn
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Halfway through President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s four-year term, the resurgence of inflation is throwing a wrench into his plan for Brazil.
Mexico - January 2025
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- Introduction
Security
- Clamping down on fentanyl
Politics & Justice
- Scope of mandatory pretrial detention extended
- More states decriminalise abortion
Labour
- Gov’t strengthens labour rights in gig economy
Business
- Fighting monopoly power: Antitrust watchdog fines Walmex
Security
- Cost of crime growing for businesses
Trade
- US requests dispute settlement panels amid trade tensions
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
We begin this January 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico by examining the government’s efforts to clamp down on the synthetic opioid fentanyl.
Caribbean & Central America - January 2025
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- Introduction
Central America
- NICARAGUA: Consolidating absolute power
- HONDURAS: More doubts over the state of exception
- REGION: Claims of progress in combatting gender violence ring hollow
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele moves to restart mining
- GUATEMALA: Approved budget increases social spending
Caribbean
- HAITI: Daunting obstacles to economic recovery
- REGION: Coming up: a surge in Caribbean debt-for-climate swaps?
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
The first piece in this January 2025 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Caribbean & Central America begins in Nicaragua where authoritarian President Daniel Ortega unveiled a package of constitutional reforms which has, along with other recent legislative initiatives, sparked further concerns that he is seeking to consolidate absolute control.
Andean Group - January 2025
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- Introduction
Bolivia
- Another low point for Bolivia’s counter-narcotics agency
Colombia
- Mancuso sentenced for war crimes
- Finance minister replaced amid budget drama
Peru
- Expanding the prison network
Ecuador
- IMF praise, but deep problems persist
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
The 12 December extradition to the US of Maximiliano Dávila, who headed Bolivia’s counter-narcotics agency (FELCN) in 2019, dealt yet another hammer blow to the organisation’s reputation.
Economy & Business - January 2025
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- Coming up: a surge in Caribbean debt-for-climate swaps?
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Finance minister replaced amid budget drama
- ECUADOR: IMF praise, but deep problems persist
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- REGION: Mercosur and EU seal the deal, again
- ARGENTINA: Growth and IMF raise Milei success prospect
- BRAZIL: Rising debt weighs on economic prospects
- BRAZIL: Lower house plugs holes in tax reform
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele moves to restart mining
- GUATEMALA: Approved budget increases social spending
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Gov’t strengthens labour rights in gig economy
- MEXICO: Fighting monopoly power: Antitrust watchdog fines Walmex
- MEXICO: Cost of crime growing for businesses
- MEXICO: US requests dispute settlement panels amid trade tensions
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Caribbean countries are caught in a vice.
Latin American Auto Industry
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- The motor vehicle revolution
- The global automobile industry
- The global advance of EVs
- China is in the EV driving seat
- Latin America is buying Chinese electric
- Sign of the times: “zero mileage” second hand cars
- The mystery of Chinese car prices
- Improving Chinese safety performance
- Heavy metal options
- Brazil: football fields full of cars
- Brazil weighs up data protection risks
- GM plans to side-step US-China auto rivalry
- Brazil faces labour trouble at Camaçarí
- Dolphin leading the charge in Mexico
- The view from Aguascalientes
- Mexico debates tariffs on Chinese imports
- Liverpool rethinks BYD deal
- The case of the disappearing gigafactory
- What are the ‘Trump tariffs’ for the Latin American auto industry?
- Conclusion
A simplified view of the global automobile industry in 2025 is that at least two revolutions are playing out in tandem over the next few years.
Artificial Intelligence
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- Introduction
- The slow-burn rise in AI
- Case studies: what is AI being used for in LAC?
- Is Latin America ready?
- The opportunity and risks of AI
- AI in LAC, as seen by ChatGPT.
- Quantifying the gains
- Will the bots destroy Latin American jobs?
- The big AI obstacle in LAC: labour informality
- The DeepSeek challenge
- The promise of Latam-GPT
- Rising data centre energy demand
- The European strategy
- Latin America faces regulatory challenges
- Brazil: pushing new legislation
- Mexico: slow development
- Chile: leader in regulation
- Argentina: seeking low regulation to attract investors
- Colombia: more than half the country’s companies are investing in AI
- Conclusion – a game of high stakes
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be described as the next big thing, the technology most likely to drive comprehensive and far-reaching change across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) during the coming decade.
Constitutional Reform
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- Introduction
- Case study: Chile’s expensive deadlock
- How to measure constitutional success
- Case study: Mexico seeks elected judiciary
- Case study: reform gives Bukele a free hand
- Regional constitutional developments in 2024
- Case study: Nicaragua becomes the Ortega family dictatorship
- Case study: updating Venezuela’s Bolivarian constitution
From the mid-1990s to the present – a period of three decades – there has been almost constant constitutional change in Latin America.
Election Watch
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- Introduction
- ECUADOR: Noboa’s to lose
- BOLIVIA: The MAS tears itself in two
- CHILE: Candidates jostling for position
- HONDURAS: Race wide open
- GUYANA: PPP/C can boast enviable, if fortuitous, economic record
- SURINAME: A key election ahead of first oil
- JAMAICA: Ruling JLP seeking a third term on mixed record
- TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Kamla’s unpopularity to help PNM in quest for third term
- BELIZE: PUP government well set for second mandate
- ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES: Comrade Ralph looking for unprecedented sixth term
A bumper year for elections, 2025 will see voters go to the polls in no fewer than six Caribbean nations, while Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Honduras will also be staging presidential and legislative elections.
Latin America’s water challenge
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- Introduction
- Climate change and water availability
- How is water affecting transport and trade
- How is water affecting electricity generation
- Water issues surrounding existing industries
- Effects on plans to develop new industries
- Other issues surrounding water
- Recent developments in water governance
- CASE STUDY: Water issues threaten Panama Canal
- CASE STUDY: Chile’s national data centre plan risks inflaming tensions over water supplies
- What comes next?
- Conclusion
All too often taken for granted by those with easy access to clean supplies, water is increasingly a source of anxiety for households, policymakers and business leaders.