Latinnews
LatinNews Daily - 18 May 2026
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- PERU: Final results confirm run-off between Fujimori and Sánchez
Andean
- In brief: Saab deported from Venezuela to US
Brazil
- BRAZIL: More pressure on Bolsonaro family over Banco Master scandal
- In brief: Brazil’s services sector posts another monthly decline
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo hails new chapter as new AG assumes post
- In brief: More foreign firms reportedly respond to US sanctions on Cuba
Mexico
- MEXICO: Former Sinaloa security chief surrenders to US authorities
- In brief: Mexican teachers’ union rejects salary rise
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Alvarado pursues new tack over mega reform
- In brief: Chile’s Kast announces investment in Atacama
Washington Watch
- More convictions in US over assassination of Haiti’s Moïse
On 17 May Peru’s national electoral tribunal (JNE) announced the final results of the 12 April first round of the presidential election, confirming that Roberto Sánchez will join Keiko Fujimori in the 7 June run-off.
LatinNews Daily - 15 May 2026
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- CUBA: CIA director visits Havana
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Social protests against Paz intensify
- In brief: Peru holds interest rates again
Brazil
- BRAZIL: More alleged associates of Banco Master CEO arrested
- In brief: Brazil projects record soybean harvest
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Remittances to Honduras slow in monthly terms
Mexico
- MEXICO: Investigation into murder of CDMX aides continues
- In brief: Sheinbaum names new Pemex CEO
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast appoints new Codelco leadership
- In brief: Argentina’s inflation slows
On 14 May John Ratcliffe, the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), visited Cuba’s capital, Havana.
LatinNews Daily - 14 May 2026
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- CUBA: Gov’t admits country has run out of fuel oil and diesel
Andean
- ECUADOR: Noboa talks security with Vance
- In brief: Venezuela announces debt restructuring process
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Flávio Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing over Banco Master ties
- In brief: Brazil’s retail sales rise in March
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama and Dominican Republic boost trade ties
Mexico
- MEXICO: Morena mends relations with allies ahead of midterms
- In brief: Mexico responds to S&P outlook downgrade
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Heat rises on Adorni as brother investigated
- In brief: Chile’s government seeks deeper ties with India
On 13 May Cuba’s Mining and Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy said that Cuba had run out of fuel oil and diesel, and the country’s national energy grid was in a “critical” state.
LatinNews Daily - 13 May 2026
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- PERU: Sánchez faces possible corruption trial
Andean
- In brief: Profits and production down at Colombia’s Ecopetrol
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula launches anti-organised crime initiative
- In brief: Brazil’s inflation slows in monthly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- BAHAMAS: Davis wins rare re-election
- In brief: Cuba adjusts fuel prices amid US oil blockade
Mexico
- MEXICO: Authorities reject report of lethal CIA campaign
- In brief: Industrial production down in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Hundreds of thousands protest against university cuts
- In brief: Analysts lower growth forecast in Chile
On 12 May Peruvian media revealed that prosecutors are seeking a corruption trial for left-wing presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez, who is poised to win a place in the election’s 7 June second round as the vote count from the 12 April first round nears completion.
LatinNews Daily - 12 May 2026
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- CUBA: Speculation over reports of US military surveillance flights
Andean
- VENEZUELA/GUYANA: Rodríguez defends Essequibo claim at The Hague
- In brief: Head of Colombia’s state oil company charged with electoral offences
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Pressure rises on Bolsonaro’s son
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras posts quarterly rise, yearly drop in profits
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Honduras and IMF reach new staff-level agreement
Mexico
- MEXICO: Texas incident raises concerns over migrant safety
- In brief: Mexico-EU trade deal authorised by European Council
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei faces protest march
- In brief: Paraguay’s income inequality edges down
On 11 May United Nations Secretary General António Guterres said “there is no military solution that can be sought for Cuba” following reports of US military intelligence-gathering flights.
LatinNews Daily - 11 May 2026
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- COSTA RICA: Fernández takes office
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Morales announces march on La Paz as his trial begins
- In brief: Andean Community demands end to Ecuador-Colombia trade war
Brazil
- BRAZIL: STF justice suspends law that could cut Bolsonaro’s jail time
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle production down in monthly terms, up year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Remittances to Guatemala slow in monthly terms
Mexico
- MEXICO: More tensions as Madrid leader abandons trip
- In brief: Mexico reports job creation in April
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Top court weighs in on Kast’s mega reform
- In brief: Inflation accelerates in Chile
Washington Watch
- Alarm over US revocation of visas for board of Costa Rican newspaper
On 8 May Laura Fernández, of the right-wing Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), took office as Costa Rica’s president for a four-year term.
LatinNews Daily - 08 May 2026
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- BRAZIL: Lula and Trump seek to ease tensions
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Death in custody creates human rights test for Rodríguez
- In brief: Bolivia raises funds with bond sale
Brazil
- In brief: Prominent Brazilian senator targeted in Banco Master probe
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: US announces new sanctions as Sherritt halts operations
- In brief: El Salvador’s investigative media outlet El Faro slams asset freeze
Mexico
- MEXICO: US to review consulates
- In brief: Mexico’s central bank cuts interest rates as inflation slows
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Peña deepens ties with Taiwan
- In brief: Industrial production and construction rise in Argentina
On 7 May Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with US President Donald Trump in the White House, where they discussed areas of bilateral interest such as trade, mining, and efforts to tackle organised crime.
LatinNews Daily - 07 May 2026
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- PERU: López Aliaga leads protest against alleged electoral fraud
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s gov’t makes second foray into bond markets
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Critical minerals bill makes progress in congress
- In brief: Brazil buys US dollars to stabilise currency fluctuations
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Pressure grows over imprisoned indigenous leaders
- In brief: Dominican Republic and Ecuador to start trade talks
Mexico
- MEXICO: Investigation into Chihuahua drug lab continues
- In brief: GFCF continues to fall in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: More setbacks for Kast’s mega reform
- In brief: Chevron to launch new investment in Argentina
On 6 May the Peruvian far-right presidential candidate Rafael López Aliaga (Renovación Popular, RP) repeated his claims of fraud as the vote count continues following the 12 April election.
LatinNews Daily - 06 May 2026
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- GUATEMALA: Arévalo ends speculation, names new AG
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Door opened to debt restructuring
- In brief: Roads blocked in Bolivia amid fuel protests
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Authorities respond to school shooting
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank maintains cautious tone on rate cuts
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama’s gov’t hails banana sector recovery
Mexico
- MEXICO: Madrid leader causes a stir
- In brief: Mexico, US agree measures to address aviation concerns
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Federal legal challenge against glacier law reform
- In brief: Inflation rises in Uruguay
On 5 May Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo named Gabriel Estuardo García Luna, a former judge and professor serving as an adviser to the procurator general’s office (PGN), as Guatemala’s new attorney general (AG).
LatinNews Daily - 05 May 2026
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- CUBA: Trump ramps up sanctions and rhetoric
Andean
- ECUADOR/COLOMBIA: Quito eases trade war as curfews begin
- In brief: Venezuela’s gov’t backtracks on minimum wage announcement
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula relaunches debt relief programme to boost popularity
- In brief: Brazil posts record oil and gas production figures
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Mining project suspended in Dominican Republic
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sinaloa governor steps aside amid US allegations
- In brief: Remittances up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Gov’t backtracks following censorship accusations
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity continues to fall year-on-year
On 1 May US President Donald Trump threatened military force against Cuba and signed an executive order which expands economic sanctions on the island.
LatinNews Daily - 01 May 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Direct flights to US resumed after seven-year pause
Andean
- In brief: Interest rate hikes paused in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Congress overturns veto on bill to cut prison time for Bolsonaro
- In brief: Brazil’s unemployment rises in quarterly terms
Central America & Caribbean
- ANTIGUA & BARBUDA: Browne wins fourth term
- In brief: Honduras leaves CCJ to save costs
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum says proof needed for US charges against officials
- In brief: Mexico posts GDP decline in first quarter of 2026
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: CGT stages protest rally
- In brief: Uruguay announces fuel price rise
Publishing Note
- Publishing Note
On 30 April direct commercial flights resumed between Venezuela and the US for the first time since 2019, with both countries hailing this as a sign of improved relations.
LatinNews Daily - 30 April 2026
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- MEXICO: US indicts Sinaloa governor and other officials
Andean
- ECUADOR/COLOMBIA: Noboa accuses Petro of causing guerrilla incursion
- In brief: Venezuela signs gas exploration MoU with BP
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Blow for Lula as supreme court nominee rejected
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank cuts interest rates again
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: More constitutional changes shore up Bukele’s strength
- In brief: China slams foreign backing for Panama over vessel detentions
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t seeks to boost domestic steel industry
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei stands by embattled cabinet chief
- In brief: Chile’s gov’t defends budget cuts amid criticism
On 29 April the US Department of Justice (DoJ) charged the governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state, Rubén Rocha Moya, and nine other current and former officials for allegedly colluding with leaders of the Cártel de Sinaloa.
LatinNews Daily - 29 April 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Essequibo dispute with Guyana flares up again
Andean
- In brief: Former central bank president arrested in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Credentials of US liaison officer reportedly restored
- In brief: Brazil’s government projects rise in sugar cane harvest
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Rubio hardens tone against Havana
- In brief: El Salvador’s trade deficit rises
Mexico
- MEXICO: FGR investigates presence of alleged US security agents
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico eyes end of easing cycle
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Privatisation programme moves apace
- In brief: Chile continues to hold interest rate
On 28 April the Guyanese government criticised Venezuela’s President Delcy Rodríguez for wearing a brooch that showed the disputed Essequibo region – which lies within Guyana’s internationally recognised borders – as part of Venezuela.
LatinNews Daily - 28 April 2026
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- MEXICO: CJNG suffers another blow
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Valencia denounces assassination plot
- In brief: Bolivia signs critical minerals MoU with US
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Flávio Bolsonaro seeks support of agribusiness
- In brief: Brazil’s Embraer registers rise in orders
Central America & Caribbean
- BARBADOS/VENEZUELA: Mottley and Rodríguez boost ties
- In brief: Tourism to Cuba plummets
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico registers trade surplus in March
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Fresh scandal embroils Milei administration
- In brief: New tourism minister unveiled in Paraguay
On 27 April authorities in Mexico announced the arrest of Audías Flores Silva, alias ‘El Jardinero’, an alleged top commander of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and a possible successor to its deceased former leader, Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Rubén Oseguera Cervantes.
LatinNews Daily - 27 April 2026
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- COLOMBIA: Twenty killed in mortar strike on bus
Andean
- In brief: Peru leads regional growth in non-traditional exports
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Ruling party releases manifesto ahead of elections
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit widens
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: New shortlist of AG candidates presented
- In brief: Nicaragua authorises more China mining concessions
Mexico
- MEXICO: Tensions continue to rise over presence of US officials
- In brief: Mexico’s economic activity falls in yearly terms
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei’s glacier bill held up by judge
- In brief: Tourism to Argentina up year-on-year in March
Washington Watch
- Peru’s purchase of US fighter jets proves contentious
On 25 April a bombing on the Pan-American highway in Colombia’s southwestern department of Cauca killed 20 people and left dozens more injured.
LatinNews Daily - 24 April 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Rodríguez announces end of amnesty process
Andean
- In brief: Bolivian state firms in the crosshairs amid cost-cutting drive
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Antitrust regulator launches new probe into Google
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t unveils more measures to keep fuel prices down
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: CC deals setback to AG appointment process
- In brief: Dominican Republic hails strong growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: Navy officer arrested over major fuel smuggling ring
- In brief: US ambassador flags barriers to investment in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Government escalates conflict with press
- In brief: Another request for Argentina’s Rigi investment scheme
On 23 April Venezuela’s President Delcy Rodríguez announced that the amnesty process for political prisoners “is coming to an end”.
LatinNews Daily - 23 April 2026
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- PERU: Gov’t in crisis over fighter jet purchase from US
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s hydrocarbon minister and head of state oil firm replaced
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t revokes US immigration officer’s credentials
- In brief: Troubled Brazilian bank approves capital increase
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Speculation builds as to AG Porras’ replacement
- In brief: Monthly inflation picks up in Panama
Mexico
- MEXICO: Shake-up at head of Morena
- In brief: Mexico and oil sector agree diesel price cap
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast submits mega reform to congress
- In brief: Argentina’s economic activity falls
On 22 April Peru’s defence and foreign ministers resigned due to disagreements with President José María Balcázar regarding the purchase of fighter jets from the US, with the government turmoil sparking renewed appetite in congress for Balcázar’s impeachment.
LatinNews Daily - 22 April 2026
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- PERU: Top electoral official resigns as fraud claims persist
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s finance minister announces budget overhaul
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Tensions rise over US expulsion of Brazilian police official
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula seeks closer economic cooperation with Portugal
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Mass trial begins of MS-13 gang leaders
- In brief: Honduras approves 2026 budget
Mexico
- MEXICO: Questions rise over role of US officials killed in car crash
- In brief: Mexico’s foreign minister boosts ties in Belgium
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei announces electoral reform
- In brief: Canadian firm moves on Argentina lithium project
On 21 April Piero Corvetto, the head of Peru’s electoral authority (Onpe), resigned due to the organisational chaos which marred the 12 April general election and has fuelled allegations of fraud as the vote count drags on.
LatinNews Daily - 21 April 2026
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- CUBA: Gov’t confirms recent meeting in Havana with US officials
Andean
- ECUADOR: Curfews announced in nine provinces
- In brief: Venezuela holds meeting with World Bank
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Tourists stranded amid police operation in Rio
- In brief: Brazil deepens economic ties with Germany
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Remittances to Honduras continue to rise
Mexico
- MEXICO: Mass shooting at tourist hotspot
- In brief: USTR meets Mexican officials ahead of USMCA review
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Pérez Mackenna signs minerals accord with US
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus up in March
On 20 April Alejandro García del Toro, the deputy director general in charge of US affairs at Cuba’s foreign ministry (Minrex), confirmed recent meetings had taken place in Havana between US and Cuban officials.
LatinNews Daily - 20 April 2026
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- MEXICO/REGION: Sheinbaum joins leftist regional leaders at Spain summit
Andean
- COLOMBIA/ECUADOR: Noboa accuses Petro of meeting allies of drug leader
- In brief: Peruvian candidate Sánchez seeks to calm markets rattled by his rise
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula presents Brazil as reliable green partner on Europe trip
- In brief: Brazil and Spain discuss global taxation of super-rich
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: US blacklists another senior official
- In brief: Dominican Republic and Haiti to reopen airspace
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico’s foreign minister discusses EU trade deal in Brussels
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Alvarado keen to normalise relations with Venezuela
- In brief: Paraguay to finance new bridge to Argentina
Washington Watch
- US strikes more alleged ‘narco-terrorist’ boats in Pacific and Caribbean
On 18 April Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum attended a summit of progressive leaders in Barcelona, Spain.
LatinNews Daily - 17 April 2026
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- PERU: Sánchez hits back at López Aliaga’s fraud claims
Andean
- In brief: IMF and World Bank resume dealings with Venezuela
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Another banker arrested in Banco Master case
- In brief: Brazil’s economic activity up in February
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Opposition-aligned top electoral officials impeached
- In brief: US targets Nicaragua’s gold sector with more sanctions
Mexico
- MEXICO: Pemex admits responsibility for Gulf oil spill
- In brief: Mexico extends anti-inflation agreement
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Deportation flights underway
- In brief: Argentina posts rise in fiscal surplus
On 16 April the left-wing Peruvian presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez accused his far-right rival Rafael López Aliaga of seeking to “disregard the democratic vote” with his allegations of electoral fraud, as the vote count for the 12 April election continues with Sánchez maintaining a razor-thin lead in the battle for a place in the second round.
LatinNews Daily - 16 April 2026
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- VENEZUELA: US ambassador replaced
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s Noboa ratifies trade agreement with South Korea
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Judge orders probe into Flávio Bolsonaro for alleged slander
- In brief: Brazil hails major sale of euro-denominated bonds
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: More media speculation on US military intervention
- In brief: New fuel subsidies announced in Guatemala
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t launches fracking committee
- In brief: Mexico and US talk critical minerals, anti-money laundering efforts
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast unveils mega economic reform package
- In brief: IMF to release more funds for Argentina
On 15 April the US ambassador to Venezuela, Laura Dogu, was replaced by John Barrett.
LatinNews Daily - 15 April 2026
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- PERU: Sánchez moves into second place as López Aliaga claims fraud
Andean
- In brief: US lifts sanctions on Venezuelan banks
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Senate committee rejects impeachment of justices and AG
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula submits bill to reduce working week
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Concerns raised over new migration deal with US
- In brief: El Salvador rolls out new phase of AI-assisted telemedicine project
Mexico
- MEXICO: Rights activist included in US cartel sanctions
- In brief: IMF slightly raises Mexico’s growth forecast
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Latest inflation figures serve blow to Milei
- In brief: Chile’s Codelco affirms sulphuric acid supplies
On 15 April the left-wing Peruvian presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez moved into second place as the vote count continues for the 12 April election, overtaking the far-right Rafael López Aliaga who has claimed fraud and called for protests by his supporters if he fails to reach the 7 June run-off.
LatinNews Daily - 14 April 2026
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- PERU: Election organiser arrested as chaos mars close race
Andean
- In brief: Chevron inks deal to expand Venezuela oil presence
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro ally arrested in the US
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t replaces head of social security agency
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Former Cicig chief hails lifting of arrest warrant
- In brief: Spain’s Iberia to suspend flights to Cuba
Mexico
- MEXICO: Further rapprochement with Spain
- In brief: Gov’t reaches agreement with Mexico City metro workers
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Alliana to seek presidency for ruling party
- In brief: Paraguay’s trade surplus widens in first quarter year-on-year
On 13 April Peruvian police arrested José Samané hours after he resigned as election management director at the electoral authority (Onpe) due to the logistical problems that marred the previous day’s general election, for which the vote count is ongoing.
LatinNews Daily - 13 April 2026
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- PERU: Fujimori and Aliaga in front as vote count continues
Andean
- In brief: Colombia raises tariffs on Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Tax agency launches security cooperation initiative with US
- In brief: Brazil’s inflation accelerates
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Deadly stampede at historic tourist site
- In brief: Honduras’ inflation picks up
Mexico
- MEXICO: New foreign minister meets US ambassador
- In brief: Fitch maintains Mexico’s credit rating
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast burns political capital in first month
- In brief: Paraguay hikes fuel prices amid global shock
Washington Watch
- CJNG founding member pleads guilty in the US
On 12 April Peru’s electoral authorities (Onpe) began tallying the results of that day’s presidential election, which as things stand is set to produce a run-off between the right-wing Keiko Fujimori (Fuerza Popular, FP) and the far-right Rafael López Aliaga (Renovación Popular, RP).
LatinNews Daily - 10 April 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Mining reform approved in further gesture to US
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador doubles Colombia tariffs as tensions rise
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula promulgates laws to address gender violence
- In brief: Brazil posts rise in motorcycle production
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Congress moves to impeach more officials
- In brief: Cuba’s inflation rises year-on-year
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum addresses fracking plans
- In brief: Mexico’s inflation picks up in March
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: No respite for Milei in Adorni scandal
- In brief: Industrial production, construction down in Argentina
On 9 April Venezuela’s national assembly unanimously approved a reform to the country’s 1999 mining law, designed to open up the sector to increased private and foreign investment.
LatinNews Daily - 09 April 2026
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- GUATEMALA: Blow to Arévalo as controversial Usac rector reappointed
Andean
- ECUADOR-COLOMBIA: Tensions rise over Petro comments
- In brief: Venezuela’s Rodríguez to boost workers’ salaries, among other measures
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Indigenous leader backs Lula amid tensions
- In brief: Vehicle production rises in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Dominican Republic monthly inflation picks up
Mexico
- MEXICO: New foreign minister gets down to work
- In brief: Mexico weighs exploring unconventional natural gas deposits
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Controversial glacier mining reform passes lower chamber
- In brief: Paraguay’s government appoints new economy minister
On 8 April Walter Mazariegos was re-elected for a four-year term as the rector of Guatemala’s Universidad de San Carlos (Usac), the country’s only public university.
LatinNews Daily - 08 April 2026
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- COLOMBIA: Petro unveils new economic measures amid central bank standoff
Andean
- In brief: Venezuela’s congress begins second debate on mining bill
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t makes commitments to press freedom
- In brief: Brazil’s trade surplus down year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: New arbitration case filed over loss of ports concession
- In brief: FQM authorised to process copper at shuttered Panama mine
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t rejects UN enforced disappearance report
- In brief: Mexico to create universal healthcare system
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Protests over end to employment programme
- In brief: Annual inflation continues to fall in Paraguay
On 7 April Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced that his government would seek to implement a series of economic measures to mitigate the impact of the central bank’s (Banrep) decision to raise its benchmark interest rate.
LatinNews Daily - 07 April 2026
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- CUBA: Gov’t announces mass prisoner release
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro back under pressure over alleged links to 'Papá Pitufo'
- In brief: Head of Colombia’s Ecopetrol to take leave of absence
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Governors step down ahead of elections
- In brief: Brazil’s government expands measures to mitigate fuel price shocks
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama decries Chinese detention of vessels
Mexico
- MEXICO: Transport and agricultural workers restart protests
- In brief: GFCF down in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast visits Argentina to strengthen ties
- In brief: Uruguay’s annual inflation slows
On 3 April US-based human rights NGO Cubalex expressed scepticism about the day-earlier announcement by Cuba’s government that it had decided to pardon and release 2,010 prisoners.
LatinNews Daily - 02 April 2026
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- VENEZUELA: US lifts sanctions on Rodríguez
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s Petro proposes measures to mitigate Iran war impact
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t officially submits supreme court nomination
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras to aim for diesel self-sufficiency
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Díaz-Canel thanks Russia for solidarity
- In brief: El Salvador poverty levels drop to pre-pandemic levels
Mexico
- MEXICO: US relations expert tapped as new foreign minister
- In brief: Mexico’s gov’t predicts stronger growth in 2026
Southern Cone
- CHILE/ARGENTINA: Calls for extradition of former guerrilla leader
- In brief: Argentina’s tax take rises year-on-year in March
Publishing Note
- Publishing note
On 1 April the US government lifted its sanctions on Venezuela’s President Delcy Rodríguez.
LatinNews Daily - 01 April 2026
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- BRAZIL: Lula picks same running mate for re-election bid
Andean
- PERU: Frontrunners square off in presidential debate
- In brief: Colombia’s government slams interest rate hike
Brazil
- In brief: Brazil’s job creation slows year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Gang carries out massacre ahead of GSF arrival
- In brief: Nicaragua’s exports increase
Mexico
- MEXICO: New charges against ex-official and alleged La Barredora head
- In brief: Mexico announces fuel price agreement
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Poverty rate improves but outlook remains murky
- In brief: Paraguay replaces economy minister
On 31 March Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, of the left-wing Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT), announced that Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, of the centre-left Partido Socialista Brasileiro (PSB), will run on his ticket again for the presidential election in October.
LatinNews Daily - 31 March 2026
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- VENEZUELA: US returns to Caracas embassy after seven-year absence
Andean
- In brief: Head of Bolivia’s state hydrocarbon company replaced
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Right-wing governor launches presidential bid under new party
- In brief: Spanish firm awarded operating contract for Brazil’s Galeão airport
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Big drug bust on Costa Rican border
- In brief: Panama Canal sees surge in transits
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum weighs restarting oil shipments to Cuba
- In brief: Mexico welcomes Fifa president
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Setback for Milei’s labour reform
- In brief: Chile rolls back on security budget cuts
On 30 March the US resumed formal operations at its embassy in Caracas for the first time since 2019, two days after Venezuelan staff moved back into their country’s embassy in Washington.
LatinNews Daily - 30 March 2026
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- CUBA: Russian tanker provides lifeline – for now
Andean
- ECUADOR: CNE accused of meddling as elections moved forward
- In brief: Colombia’s gov’t announces major military spending plan
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Congress rejects report implicating Lula’s son in corruption scandal
- In brief: Brazil’s foreign minister maintains dialogue with US
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Honduras gets ratings boost
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t addresses disappearances
- In brief: Mexico’s trade deficit shrinks in February
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Major win in US court case
- In brief: Paraguay records 2025 GDP growth
Washington Watch
- Costa Rica announces first-ever extradition to US
On 30 March a Russian tanker carrying 100,000 tonnes of crude oil arrived in Cuba, according to the Russian transport ministry.
LatinNews Daily - 27 March 2026
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- VENEZUELA: US judge dismisses request to throw out Maduro trial
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s gov’t reaches agreement with protesting transport workers
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Rio politics in disarray after Castro resigns
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras announces new oil discovery
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Asfura loosens Libre’s grip on key institutions
- In brief: Cuba awaiting Russian crude amid fresh blackout
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum downplays electoral reform changes
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico resumes rate-cutting cycle amid rising inflation
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Violent incidents during fuel price protests
- In brief: Argentina’s economic activity up in January
On 26 March New York judge Alvin Hellerstein rejected an appeal to dismiss the drug trafficking and weapons charges against Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026) and his wife Cilia Flores during their second court appearance since being seized by the US on 3 January.
LatinNews Daily - 26 March 2026
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- HONDURAS: Tensions rise as attorney general fired
Andean
- PERU: Congressional candidate assassinated
- In brief: US interior secretary reveals Venezuelan gold transfer
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Police launch new operation against financial crimes
- In brief: Brazil’s Embraer unveils new supersonic fighter jet
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Russia confirms fuel shipments to Cuba
Mexico
- MEXICO: Senate passes electoral reform with major omission
- In brief: Mexico to uphold Cuban doctors scheme
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Cabinet chief outlines legislative agenda amid scandal
- In brief: Chile’s central bank lowers growth forecast
On 25 March Honduras’ 128-member unicameral legislature dismissed the country’s attorney general, Johel Zelaya, after a congressional committee called for his impeachment.
LatinNews Daily - 25 March 2026
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- HAITI: New UN report warns on expanding reach of gangs
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Poised to restore diplomatic ties with the US
- In brief: S&P raises Bolivia’s credit rating
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro granted temporary transfer to house arrest
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula firm on sovereignty of critical minerals
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: CK Hutchison ups Panama arbitration claims
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t moves to tackle femicides
- In brief: Mexico’s economic activity down in monthly terms
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Country braces for jump in fuel prices
- In brief: Chile’s central bank holds interest rates, flags uncertainty
On 24 March the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a new report which warns that gangs are expanding their reach in Haiti.
LatinNews Daily - 24 March 2026
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- COLOMBIA: Dozens of soldiers killed in plane crash
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s mining and energy minister replaced
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Attorney general calls for house arrest for Bolsonaro
- In brief: Brazilian market experts raise forecasts for inflation and interest rates
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: AG suspended as impeachment proceedings launched
- In brief: Honduras seeks to address rise in fuel prices
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum calls for criminal investigation into oil spill
- In brief: Mexico and US to boost intellectual property protection
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Thousands gather to mark key anniversary of military coup
- In brief: Chile’s fuel prices to surge
On 23 March at least 66 people were killed when a Colombian military plane crashed in the southwestern department of Putumayo.
LatinNews Daily - 23 March 2026
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- COLOMBIA: Petro reportedly under investigation in the US
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s regional elections underscore political fragmentation
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula deepens cooperation with Paraguay and other regional partners
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras to boost investment in oil refinery
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Gov’t defiant as electricity grid collapses again
- In brief: New CAF funds for Honduras
Mexico
- MEXICO: Teachers’ strike ends without resolution
- In brief: Mexico’s CFE announces new projects
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast revising environmental regulations to drive growth
- In brief: Argentina’s GDP grows year-on-year
Washington Watch
- Ecuador finalises US trade deal details
On 20 March Colombia’s embassy in Washington pushed back against a report in The New York Times which stated that President Gustavo Petro is being investigated by US prosecutors for allegedly having links to drug traffickers.
LatinNews Daily - 20 March 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Purge extends into the armed forces
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia and Paraguay sign deal on beef and pork imports
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Finance minister to run for São Paulo governorship
- In brief: Brazil and Paraguay resume talks to revise Itaipú treaty
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Gov’t further eases state of prevention
- In brief: Panama rejects CK Hutchison arbitration claims
Mexico
- MEXICO: Security forces go after Los Mayos
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum seeks investment in infrastructure
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei racks up more air miles as scandal grows
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus expands year-on-year
On 19 March Venezuela’s President Delcy Rodríguez replaced the military high command as she continues to assert her authority following the US capture of her predecessor Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026) in January.
LatinNews Daily - 19 March 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Defence minister replaced as Rodríguez continues purge
Andean
- In brief: New offshore gas deposit discovered in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Police launch anti-gang operations across the country
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank lowers interest rates
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Costa Rica cuts diplomatic ties with Havana
- In brief: Nicaragua posts rise in net FDI flows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Alleged Los Lobos leader arrested
- In brief: Mexican teachers launch national strike
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Peña promulgates controversial pension reform
- In brief: Chile’s annual growth slows
On 18 March Venezuela’s President Delcy Rodríguez carried out a cabinet reshuffle that included the removal of the defence minister, General Vladimir Padrino López – one of the staunchest allies of Rodríguez’s predecessor Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026).
LatinNews Daily - 18 March 2026
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- PERU: Prime minister replaced in cabinet reshuffle
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s Paz announces hydrocarbon reform bill
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Top court convicts lawmakers for misusing federal grants
- In brief: Brazil’s treasury makes major intervention in bond market
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Congress amends constitution to allow life sentences
- In brief: Rubio says Cuba’s economic reforms fall short
Mexico
- MEXICO: Thaw in relations with Spain
- In brief: Mexico’s manufacturing production down month-on-month
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast begins dismantling environmental safeguards
- In brief: Paraguay completes ratification process for EU-Mercosur deal
On 17 March Peru’s President José María Balcázar carried out a cabinet reshuffle that included the replacement of the prime minister, Denisse Miralles, with Luis Arroyo, who had previously been serving as defence minister.
LatinNews Daily - 17 March 2026
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- CUBA: Another nationwide outage as Trump reiterates takeover threat
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Petro accuses Ecuador of cross-border bombing
- In brief: Colombia’s industrial production falls in January
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula shores up ties with Bolivia
- In brief: Brazil launches updated climate plan
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama’s GDP posts solid growth in 2025
Mexico
- MEXICO: Harfuch meets DEA head
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum pledges Cuba donation
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast rolls out migration control plan
- In brief: $Libra commission makes moves in Argentina
On 16 March Cuba’s electricity grid suffered a total collapse.
LatinNews Daily - 16 March 2026
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- CUBA: Rare protests over blackout as gov’t confirms US talks
Andean
- BOLIVIA: Alleged Uruguayan drug lord captured
- In brief: Venezuela announces LPG exports to Colombia as US eases sanctions
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t revokes visa for Trump administration adviser
- In brief: BYD announces investment for research centre in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Remittances to Dominican Republic fall in February
Mexico
- MEXICO: Morena allies announce support for Plan B electoral reform
- In brief: Mexico posts fall in industrial production
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei visits Spain as tensions persist
- In brief: Argentina carries out another bond sale
Washington Watch
- Paraguay greenlights US military presence
On 14 March Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned day-earlier protests in Morón city, Ciego de Ávila province, which occurred hours after he had confirmed official talks were taking place with the US government led by President Donald Trump.
LatinNews Daily - 13 March 2026
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- CUBA: Gov’t announces prisoner release amid US pressure
Andean
- VENEZUELA: UN mission highlights ongoing repression under Rodríguez
- In brief: Repsol, Eni, and Shell sign natural gas and oil agreements in Venezuela
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Judge denies request for Bolsonaro to meet US gov’t adviser
- In brief: Brazil’s government slashes taxes on fuel
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Nicaraguan NGO highlights extent of Chinese mining concessions
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum presents Plan B electoral reform
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum responds to CDMX airport taxi protests
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast meets US envoy amid China conundrum
- In brief: Argentina’s monthly inflation unchanging
On 12 March Cuba’s foreign ministry (Minrex) announced that 51 prisoners would be released in the next few days, citing “the spirit of good will and close, fluid relations” with the Vatican.
LatinNews Daily - 12 March 2026
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- CHILE: Kast takes office promising change
Andean
- VENEZUELA: New hydrocarbons minister appointed
- In brief: Head of Colombia’s state oil company charged with influence peddling
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Rio state police officers suspected of gang ties
- In brief: Brazil’s top court approves reincorporation of some Cuban doctors
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: CC appointment process complete
- In brief: Remittances to Honduras rise
Mexico
- MEXICO: Setback for Sheinbaum as electoral reform rejected
- In brief: US launches trade probe into Mexico and other partners
Southern Cone
- In brief: Paraguay’s senate approves pension reform
On 11 March José Antonio Kast was sworn in as Chile’s president.
LatinNews Daily - 11 March 2026
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- CHILE: Country prepares for swing to far-right
Andean
- ECUADOR: Top court finds State responsible in forced disappearance case
- In brief: Ecuador secures investment in Amazonian oilfields
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro seeks to reaffirm ties with US allies
- In brief: Brazil’s coffee exports down
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: New electoral court appointed
- In brief: China’s Cosco suspends services at Panama port
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t hails drop in murder rates
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum hosts major Nordic business delegation
Southern Cone
- In brief: Paraguay appoints new head of state oil company
On 10 March Chile’s outgoing President Gabriel Boric gave a balance of his four years in office in a televised address ahead of passing the presidential sash today (11 March) to his far-right successor José Antonio Kast.
LatinNews Daily - 10 March 2026
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- ECUADOR: Suspended opposition party warns of encroaching ‘dictatorship’
Andean
- In brief: Venezuelan mining reform approved in first debate
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Congress pressures judiciary over Banco Master case
- In brief: Brazil shores up relations with South Africa
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Long-awaited trial kicks off in US over Moïse’s murder
- In brief: Dominican Republic hails rise in tourism
Mexico
- MEXICO: Businesses back USMCA ahead of review
- In brief: Mexico’s inflation edges up in February
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Orsi bids to revive popularity with concrete measures
- In brief: More interest in Argentina’s Rigi investment scheme
On 9 March Gabriela Rivadeneira, the president of Ecuador’s main opposition party Revolución Ciudadana (RC), railed against the nine-month suspension that was imposed on the party by Joaquín Viteri, a judge on the electoral disputes tribunal (TCE), on 6 March.
LatinNews Daily - 09 March 2026
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- COLOMBIA: Legislative elections produce divided congress
Andean
- In brief: US eases sanctions on Venezuela’s gold sector
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Protesters raise alarm over femicides
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle production up in monthly terms, down year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: US reportedly weighing charges against leaders
- In brief: Monthly deflation slows in Costa Rica
Mexico
- MEXICO/REGION: Sheinbaum responds as Trump launches anti-cartel group
- In brief: Labour productivity up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Big turnout for Women’s Day as Kast poised to take office
- In brief: Argentina’s monthly industrial production picks up, construction slows
Washington Watch
- Mixed responses to US strikes on Iran
On 8 March Colombia’s legislative elections produced a fragmented congress in which the ruling left-wing Pacto Histórico will retain a strong presence while falling short of a majority.
LatinNews Daily - 06 March 2026
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- COLOMBIA: Poised for decisive legislative elections
Andean
- In brief: US and Venezuela restore diplomatic ties
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Banco Master CEO’s messages indicate political ties
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras posts rise in annual profit
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Congress picks CC magistrate in fraught process
- In brief: Costa Rica’s unemployment edges up in quarterly terms
Mexico
- MEXICO: USMCA negotiations set to begin
- In brief: GFCF down year-on-year in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Government deepens US alignment
- In brief: Chile’s Codelco inks AI agreement with Microsoft
On 5 March Colombia’s Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the authorities have seized nearly Col$1.5bn (US$396,000) which was intended to purchase votes in the 8 March legislative vote and presidential primary elections.
LatinNews Daily - 05 March 2026
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- VENEZUELA: US delegation discusses mining reform with Rodríguez
Andean
- In brief: Investigation launched as gas leak hits Peruvian supply chain
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Banco Master CEO detained amid new phase of probe
- In brief: Brazil ratifies EU-Mercosur trade deal
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Fils-Aimé presents new ministers
- In brief: Cuba hit by another massive outage
Mexico
- MEXICO: Electoral reform presented to congress
- In brief: Mexico’s vehicle sales down year-on-year in February
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Industry seeks dialogue with Milei
- In brief: Uruguay’s inflation slows
On 4 March the US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum met with Venezuela’s President Delcy Rodríguez to discuss a planned mining reform.
LatinNews Daily - 04 March 2026
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- CUBA: Six charged with terrorism over speedboat attack
Andean
- ECUADOR: US launches military operation against criminal groups
- In brief: Venezuela announces new US oil contracts
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Economy slows in setback for Lula
- In brief: Brazil’s job creation down year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Costa Rica opens trade and investment innovation office in Israel
Mexico
- MEXICO: Green light for 40-hour work week
- In brief: Mexico’s private sector raises growth and inflation forecasts
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Gov’t transition suspended over Chinese cable spat
- In brief: Uruguay’s rate-cut cycle continues
On 3 March Cuba’s attorney general’s office announced that six people had been charged with terrorism following the 25 February deadly shooting in Cuban waters involving a Florida-registered speedboat.
LatinNews Daily - 03 March 2026
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- ECUADOR: Curfews announced as crime strategy enters ‘new phase’
Andean
- In brief: Mining reform planned in Venezuela
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Opposition backs calls to ban presidential re-election
- In brief: Brazil’s oil and gas production down in monthly terms, up year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo extends state of prevention
- In brief: Dominican Republic hails strong growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: Authorities continue to target group linked to mayor murder
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico continue to fall in January
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Orsi presents balance sheet to congress
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity falls year-on-year
On 2 March Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa announced that, as part of “the next phase” of the battle against organised crime, a curfew will be enforced from 15-30 March in the western provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, El Oro, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.
LatinNews Daily - 02 March 2026
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- ARGENTINA: Milei opens congress with promise of sweeping reforms
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Machado announces plan to return
- In brief: Colombia’s unemployment rate falls year-on-year
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula pledges support for flood-stricken areas in southeast
- In brief: Brazil rolls back on recent import tariff increase
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA/REGION: Caricom pledges humanitarian aid
- In brief: Nicaragua’s trade deficit shrinks
Mexico
- MEXICO: Alleged El Mencho bodyguards charged
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex narrows losses in 2025
Southern Cone
- In brief: Uruguay hails meeting of 2025 fiscal targets
Washington Watch
- Sheinbaum holds call with Trump following Mencho killing
On 1 March Argentina’s President Javier Milei delivered a combative address to a joint session of congress to open the new legislative session in which he promised a host of era-defining reforms, while railing against opponents.
LatinNews Daily - 27 February 2026
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- MEXICO: US ups security cooperation following El Mencho killing
Andean
- ECUADOR: Mining and energy reform approved amid indigenous resistance
- In brief: Ecuador raises tariffs on Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Pressure rises on Lula’s son over alleged corruption
- In brief: Brazil grants more concessions for port infrastructure works
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: US sanctions more officials
- In brief: Honduras foreign minister meets China envoy
Mexico
- In brief: Coca-Cola announces major investment in Mexico and Brazil
Southern Cone
- REGION: EU-Mercosur trade deal takes effect
- In brief: Reform easing glacier mining restrictions clears hurdle in Argentina
On 26 February the US Department of State offered rewards for information leading to the arrests or convictions of two alleged regional leaders of Mexico’s Cártel de Sinaloa in Baja California state.
LatinNews Daily - 26 February 2026
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- CUBA: Deadly speedboat shooting threatens to escalate tensions with US
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Attorney general replaced
- In brief: Peru declares state of emergency due to heavy rains
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Masterminds of Marielle Franco murder convicted
- In brief: Brazil’s gov’t responds to heavy rains in southeast
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Remittances to El Salvador down in monthly terms
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum presents electoral reform despite pushback from allies
- In brief: FDI to Mexico up in 2025
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Peña extends militarisation in response to abduction
- In brief: CGT to file lawsuit against Argentina’s proposed labour reform
On 25 February Cuba’s interior ministry said Cuban authorities had killed four people and wounded six others aboard a Florida-registered speedboat after it opened fire on a border guard patrol vessel in Cuban waters.
LatinNews Daily - 25 February 2026
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- PERU: Balcázar names his cabinet
Andean
- In brief: Colombian tariffs on Ecuador come into force
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Trial begins of alleged masterminds of Marielle Franco murder
- In brief: Brazil’s current account deficit down year-on-year
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: New national governance pact signed
- In brief: Cuba to receive more aid from Mexico
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum meets US officials amid fallout from El Mencho killing
- In brief: Mexico’s lower chamber approves reduction of work week
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Gov’t defends handling of Chinese subsea cable concession
- In brief: Argentina's economic activity up in 2025
On 24 February Peru’s President José María Balcázar swore in his ministerial cabinet which is led by Prime Minister Denisse Miralles, rather than Hernando de Soto who had previously been announced as cabinet chief.
LatinNews Daily - 24 February 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Opposition criticises amnesty law
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s GDP up in 2025
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Win for indigenous protesters after gov’t revokes waterway decree
- In brief: Brazil deepens ties with South Korea
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Another NGO shutters amid closure of civic space
- In brief: Panama gov’t formally takes control of two ports
Mexico
- MEXICO: El Mencho death confirmed amid mass military deployment
- In brief: Mexico posts largest quarterly growth of 2025
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Unions continue to mobilise against labour reform
- In brief: Argentina to hold another debt auction
On 23 February the Venezuelan opposition coalition Plataforma Unitaria Democrática (PUD) criticised the amnesty law for political prisoners which was approved on 19 February.
LatinNews Daily - 23 February 2026
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- MEXICO: Top drug kingpin killed
Andean
- PERU: Balcázar to stand trial for alleged embezzlement
- In brief: Venezuela receives Colombian delegation for energy talks
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Gov’t boosts ties with India, inks critical minerals deal
- In brief: Brazil’s Azul airline exits bankruptcy
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Russia concludes repatriation of its tourists
- In brief: Guyana denies ExxonMobil request near Venezuela
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico urges ‘prudence’ in response to new Trump levy
Southern Cone
- CHILE: US slaps travel bans on senior Chilean officials
- In brief: Paraguay cuts benchmark interest rate
Washington Watch
- US-Argentina ties on display at Board of Peace meeting
On 22 February Mexico’s defence ministry (Defensa) confirmed that Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), the country’s most powerful drug cartel and one of the most wanted drug traffickers in the world, had been killed during a security operation carried out in the western state of Jalisco.
LatinNews Daily - 20 February 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Amnesty bill signed into law
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s Petro pushes ahead with minimum wage hike
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula reiterates calls for global AI governance
- In brief: Brazil’s economic activity slows in 2025
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Concerns build over prison riot
- In brief: Costa Rica’s President-elect highlights priority initiatives
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t joins US in targeting CJNG timeshare fraud
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico weighs further rate cuts
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Deputies approve labour reform bill
- In brief: Argentina’s trade surplus grows
On 19 February Venezuela’s national assembly approved a general amnesty bill for political prisoners which was then signed into law by President Delcy Rodríguez.
LatinNews Daily - 19 February 2026
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- PERU: Left-wing president elected by congress
Andean
- In brief: US expands list of foreign oil firms allowed to operate in Venezuela
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula partially vetoes legislation to raise gov’t salaries
- In brief: Brazil shutters another bank tied to Banco Master
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Rubio reportedly in secret talks with Castro grandson
- In brief: Unemployment in Honduras down
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum continues push for ‘Republican Austerity’
- In brief: Mexico’s Walmex announces fall in net profit
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Strikes begin ahead of labour reform vote
- In brief: Argentina posts rise in fiscal surplus
On 18 February Peru’s congress elected the left-wing José María Balcázar as the country’s new president, replacing José Jerí (2025-2026) who was impeached the previous day.
LatinNews Daily - 18 February 2026
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- PERU: Jerí impeached by congress
Andean
- In brief: US energy secretary outlines expectations for Venezuelan oil exports
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Police investigate supreme court data leak
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula begins visit to India
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: New security plan launched as state of siege eased
- In brief: Panama remains on EU tax haven list
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum boosts economic ties with Canada
- In brief: Mexico outlines more aid for Cuba
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Peña marks midway point with mini reshuffle
- In brief: Uruguay’s senate begins talks on EU-Mercosur deal
On 17 February Peru’s President José Jerí was impeached by congress, with legislators due to elect a new president today (18 February).
LatinNews Daily - 17 February 2026
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- GUATEMALA: Boost for Arévalo as discredited AG denied key post
Andean
- COLOMBIA: Minimum wage hike results in legal stand-off
- In brief: Colombia’s GDP growth slows in Q4 2025
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Opposition figures criticise Lula over Carnival tribute
- In brief: Brazil’s Lula hails economic value of Carnival
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: New Honduran gov’t begins talks with IMF
Mexico
- MEXICO: Canada trade mission visits amid USMCA uncertainty
- In brief: Mexico's manufacturing production up year-on-year in December
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: CGT announces general strike
- In brief: Argentina hails investment in mining project
On 16 February Guatemala’s Attorney General (AG) María Consuelo Porras was denied a seat on the constitutional court (CC) following elections earlier that day by the superior university council (CSU) of the country’s main public university Universidad de San Carlos (Usac).
LatinNews Daily - 16 February 2026
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- VENEZUELA: US intercepts another tanker, eases oil sanctions
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s economic output rises in 2025
Brazil
- BRAZIL: New charges filed against conspirators in Marielle Franco case
- In brief: Brazil’s retail sales down in monthly terms, up in annual terms
Central America & Caribbean
- EL SALVADOR: Protests over mass trials
- In brief: Rubio suggests Cuba’s economic opening could ease pressure
Mexico
- MEXICO: Protesters demand justice for kidnapped miners
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex returns to local debt markets
Southern Cone
- PARAGUAY: Metrobús debacle turns political
- In brief: Argentina boosts ties with China
Washington Watch
- US outlines new trade deal with Argentina
On 15 February US forces boarded another tanker in the Indian Ocean which was involved in the transport of sanctioned Venezuelan oil.
LatinNews Daily - 13 February 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Protesters take to the streets across the country
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s Jerí facing growing impeachment threat
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lead judge of Banco Master probe steps away from case
- In brief: Brazil’s services sector posts slower growth
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo slams AG meddling in election for top court
- In brief: CK Hutchison threatens legal action over Panama ports takeover
Mexico
- MEXICO: Govt’s asks for clarity on US cartel drone claim
- In brief: Mexico reports growth in international tourism in 2025
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric signs updated lithium contract
- In brief: Chile announces humanitarian aid for Cuba
On 12 February there were student-led protests in multiple Venezuelan cities to demand the release of political prisoners, in a sign that the public is becoming emboldened after over a year without major anti-government demonstrations.
LatinNews Daily - 12 February 2026
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- VENEZUELA: US energy secretary meets Rodríguez
Andean
- In brief: Bolivian hydrocarbon director resigns amid fuel scandal
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula’s lead narrowing in new electoral poll
- In brief: Brazilian police question impartiality of Banco Master case judge
Central America & Caribbean
- BARBADOS: Mottley wins third term
- In brief: Cuba’s inflation slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Senate authorises entry of US marines for training exercises
- In brief: Mexico’s senate approves reduction of work week
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei’s labour reform clears senate
- In brief: Argentina sees full refinancing in debt auction
On 11 February Venezuela’s President Delcy Rodríguez met with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Caracas.
LatinNews Daily - 11 February 2026
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- CUBA: New blow to Havana as Guatemala ends Cuban doctors scheme
Andean
- ECUADOR: Guayaquil mayor arrested
- In brief: US eases sanctions on Venezuelan oil sector
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Government hails rise in seized gang assets
- In brief: Brazil’s annual inflation rises in January
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Guatemala’s inflation slows
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t offers theory on missing miners
- In brief: Tourism GDP up in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Senate to debate labour reform amid protests
- In brief: Argentina’s inflation creeps up in January
On 10 February the international media reported that Guatemala’s left-of-centre government led by President Bernardo Arévalo had ended its participation in the Cuban doctors programme.
LatinNews Daily - 10 February 2026
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- CUBA: Canadian airlines halt flights amid impact of US oil blockade
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Released opposition leaders to be kept on tight leash
- In brief: Inflation picks up in Ecuador
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lower house leader signals support for labour reforms
- In brief: Brazil issues dollar bonds on international market
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Nicaragua authorises more Chinese mining concessions
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum defends sovereignty of critical minerals
- In brief: Mexico’s inflation edges up in January
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Judge charges 19 in Andis corruption scandal
- In brief: Argentina brings new ‘fiscal innocence’ tax regime into force
On 9 February Canadian airlines WestJet, Air Transat, and flagship operator Air Canada announced they were halting all flights to Cuba.
LatinNews Daily - 09 February 2026
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- HAITI: PM takes over executive as CPT dissolves
Andean
- VENEZUELA: High-profile opposition figures released
- In brief: Inflation rises in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Petrobras fined for fluid leak in Amazon oil project
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle production down in January
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Honduras’ Asfura meets Trump, talks trade and investment
Mexico
- MEXICO: Authorities find remains of disappeared miners in Sinaloa
- In brief: Mexico sends aid to Cuba as fuel shortages bite
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast unveils more picks for government posts
- In brief: Industrial production down, construction up in Argentina
Washington Watch
- US resumes repatriation flights to Colombia
On 7 February the president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council (CPT), Laurent Saint-Cyr, handed over executive power to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.
LatinNews Daily - 06 February 2026
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- CUBA: Havana signals openness to talks with US ‘without preconditions’
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Amnesty bill approved in first debate
- In brief: Protests in Bolivia against low-quality fuel
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Government reaffirms cooperation with Russia
- In brief: Brazil’s trade surplus up despite drop in exports
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama’s gov’t hails reduction in fiscal deficit
Mexico
- MEXICO: Mayor of Tequila arrested for extortion
- In brief: Mexico’s Banxico pauses rate cutting cycle
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei secures trade and investment deal with US
- In brief: Public sector pension reform clears Paraguay’s lower chamber
On 5 February Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel said the government “was ready to have talks with the US over any issue it wants to debate,” although “this must take place without preconditions, and from a position of equals and with respect.”
LatinNews Daily - 05 February 2026
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- HAITI: US bolsters support for PM as key deadline approaches
Andean
- COLOMBIA: CNE bars Cepeda from left-wing primary election
- In brief: Ecuador makes progress with UAE and DR trade deals
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula launches initiative to address femicides
- In brief: Brazil’s senate to investigate Banco Master fraud case
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: UN warns on Cuba’s oil situation
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum addresses Sinaloa violence
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex hails debt reduction, sheds light on Cuba oil shipments
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Progress on new migration agency
- In brief: Argentina and Paraguay, among others, sign US critical minerals deals
On 4 February the US embassy in Haiti expressed support for Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, while the same day the US Southern Command (Southcom) announced that a US warship and two Coast Guard cutters had arrived off the bay of Port-au-Prince.
LatinNews Daily - 04 February 2026
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- COLOMBIA: Petro and Trump hit it off in high-stakes meeting
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s Noboa seeks UAE investment
Brazil
- BRAZIL: NGO criticises hardline security policies
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial production drops in December, rises in annual terms
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: China warns over ports ruling as arbitration proceedings filed
- In brief: Panama hails record exports
Mexico
- MEXICO: Water dispute with US nears resolution
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum unveils infrastructure investment plan
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Orsi boosts ties with Beijing
- In brief: Annual inflation falls in Paraguay
On 3 February Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro met US President Donald Trump at the White House, with both leaders describing the meeting as positive despite bilateral tensions having remained high for over a year.
LatinNews Daily - 03 February 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Rodríguez meets US envoy
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador restricts mining operations in three provinces
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula sets out legislative priorities for election year
- In brief: Record oil and gas production in Brazil
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Asfura announces plans to draft anti-corruption bill
- In brief: Sharp fall in tourism to Cuba
Mexico
- MEXICO: Morena senate head steps down
- In brief: Long-awaited intercity train line opens in Mexico
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Tensions break out over inflation data
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity up in December
On 2 February Venezuela’s President Delcy Rodríguez held a meeting with Laura Dogu, the new US envoy to Venezuela.
LatinNews Daily - 02 February 2026
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- COSTA RICA: Chaves continuity candidate wins outright
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Rodríguez announces general amnesty for political prisoners
- In brief: Interest rate hiked in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Rising femicides in São Paulo pile pressure on authorities
- In brief: Brazil’s unemployment drops to record lows
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Denmark’s Maersk to temporarily administer two Panama ports
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum responds to US Cuba tariff threats
- In brief: Mexico’s economic growth rebounds in Q4
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Bukele offers Kast prison assistance
- In brief: Slashing of public sector jobs continues in Argentina
Washington Watch
- US announces new top envoy for Venezuela
On 1 February Laura Fernández, the candidate for Costa Rica’s right-wing Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), won the presidential election which took place along with legislative elections earlier that day.
LatinNews Daily - 30 January 2026
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- CUBA: Trump ramps up pressure, announces tariffs on oil suppliers
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Hydrocarbon reform signed into law
- In brief: State of economic emergency suspended in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: São Paulo governor reiterates support for Flávio Bolsonaro
- In brief: Brazil’s net job creation slows
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama court strikes down CK Hutchison port deal
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum discusses trade with Trump
- In brief: Mexico’s Grupo Salinas to make major tax payment
Southern Cone
- CHILE/BOLIVIA: Kast and Paz promise pragmatism
- In brief: Chile’s unemployment rate declines year-on-year while informality rises
On 29 January US President Donald Trump issued an executive order which declares a national emergency in relation to Cuba and authorises his administration to impose tariffs on countries that directly or indirectly sell oil to the island.
LatinNews Daily - 29 January 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Rubio insists democratisation is key goal
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador’s gov’t seeks infrastructure and electricity reforms
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula boosts ties with regional leaders
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras posts rise in proven oil and gas reserves
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Asfura reveals more cabinet appointments
- In brief: Guatemala’s congress approves budget increase
Mexico
- MEXICO: Arrests in relation to Guanajuato football massacre
- In brief: Mexico and US to begin formal talks on USMCA review
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Patagonian governors call for federal action against fires
- In brief: Chile’s supreme court backs Codelco-SQM lithium deal
On 28 January US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and defended US intervention in Venezuela in front of the senate foreign relations committee, saying that a democratic transition remains a key goal but could take some time.
LatinNews Daily - 28 January 2026
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- HONDURAS: Asfura takes office
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Rodríguez meets with western oil firms
- In brief: Ecuador’s country risk reaches lowest level since 2014
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Right-wing presidential pre-candidate defects to centrist party
- In brief: Brazil’s Vale posts annual rise in iron ore production
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Remittances to El Salvador surge
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum appears to confirm halt in Cuba oil shipments
- In brief: Mexico registers trade surplus in 2025
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: ATE declares general strike over labour reform
- In brief: Chile holds interest rate steady
On 27 January Nasry Asfura of the right-wing Partido Nacional (PN) was sworn in as Honduras’ new president for a four-year term, replacing Xiomara Castro of the leftist Partido Libertad y Refundación (Libre).
LatinNews Daily - 27 January 2026
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- ECUADOR: Colombian security efforts signal desire to end stand-off
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador returns to bond markets with major debt auction
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula seeks to shore up ties with Trump
- In brief: Brazil’s annual current account deficit widens
Central America & Caribbean
- NICARAGUA: Spat emerges with Spain as ambassadors ejected
- In brief: Guyana unveils 2026 national budget
Mexico
- MEXICO: Speculation rises over US intervention in high-profile arrest
- In brief: Mexico’s Sheinbaum hails job growth as unemployment edges down
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Decree permits military to serve in government
- In brief: Uruguay slashes interest rates
On 26 January Ecuadorean police captured an alleged leading member of the Los Lobos gang, named as Vicente Bienvenido F.C, alias ‘Viche’, in coordination with the Colombian authorities, as both countries remain engaged in a tariff war sparked by Ecuador’s claims that Colombia is failing to tackle crime in the border region.
LatinNews Daily - 26 January 2026
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- HAITI: US moves against efforts to eject PM
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Rodríguez calls for dialogue with opposition
- In brief: Colombia announces tariffs on 73 Ecuadorean products
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro supporters hold rally in Brasília
- In brief: Rio state pension fund implicated in Brazil’s Banco Master case
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama hails rise in air travel, tourism
Mexico
- MEXICO: Guanajuato killings highlight security challenges
- In brief: Economic activity down in monthly terms in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast seeks inspiration for security policies on regional tour
- In brief: Paraguay lowers interest rates for first time in nearly two years
Washington Watch
- Mexico sends another group of accused criminals to US
On 25 January the US Department of State (DoS) announced visa restrictions on two members of Haiti’s nine-member transitional presidential council (CPT) over alleged gang ties.
LatinNews Daily - 23 January 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Hydrocarbon reform advances through congress
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador threatens higher pipeline tariff for Colombian oil
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula shores up ties with Brics partners
- In brief: Brazil posts record annual tax revenue
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: International alarm over efforts to eject PM
- In brief: Costa Rica hails record goods exports
Mexico
- MEXICO: Authorities arrest alleged leader of Michoacán extortion network
- In brief: Mexico boosts ties with EU
Southern Cone
- REGION: Peña urges ratification of EU-Mercosur deal
- In brief: IMF completes reviews for Paraguay, releases new funds
On 22 January Venezuela’s national assembly voted to reform the country’s hydrocarbon law, meeting a key demand of the US.
LatinNews Daily - 22 January 2026
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- ECUADOR/COLOMBIA: Tariffs announced amid counter-narcotics dispute
Andean
- In brief: Impeachment motions filed against Peru’s Jerí
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Flávio Bolsonaro catching up in pre-election poll
- In brief: Brazil’s central bank shutters Banco Master subsidiary
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: New poll shows frontrunner poised for first-round win
- In brief: Panama announces debt refinancing operation
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum defends prisoner transfer as ‘sovereign’
- In brief: Mexican senator accuses gov’t of negligence over NWS
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei more upbeat in return to Davos
- In brief: Argentina’s economic activity down in November
On 21 January Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa announced a 30% tariff on Colombian imports due to the country’s alleged failure to cooperate against crime, triggering countermeasures from the Colombian government.
LatinNews Daily - 21 January 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Oil reform aims for increased foreign investment
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s central bank reveals major gold debt
Brazil
- BRAZIL: State accused of police brutality at IACHR
- In brief: Brazil’s government to fund more vessels for Petrobras
Central America & Caribbean
- CUBA: Shoring up ties with Russia amid US pressure
- In brief: IMF greenlights Jamaica’s request for emergency assistance
Mexico
- MEXICO: Third mass handover of prisoners in bid to appease Trump
- In brief: Analysts forecast stable growth and inflation in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast’s technocratic cabinet stokes controversy
- In brief: Argentina registers 2025 trade surplus
On 20 January the president of Venezuela’s national assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, said that a bill to reform the country’s hydrocarbon law will be aimed at protecting foreign investment, on the same day that US forces seized a seventh tanker transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil.
LatinNews Daily - 20 January 2026
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- GUATEMALA: Arévalo rails against AG over wave of violence
Andean
- PERU: Jerí under pressure over secret meetings with Chinese businessman
- In brief: Capriles demands details of Venezuela-US oil deal
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Finance minister calls for stronger oversight of investment funds
- In brief: Brazil’s annual coffee exports down in 2025
Central America & Caribbean
- In brief: Panama’s Mulino shores up ties with Switzerland, Singapore
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum dismisses fears of US military action
- In brief: Mexico hails ‘record’ tax take in 2025
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Boric and Kast present unity in response to wildfires
- In brief: Argentina imports cars from China’s BYD amid criticism
On 19 January Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo accused the country’s attorney general’s office (MP), led by the discredited María Consuelo Porras, of protecting suspected gang members responsible for the recent attacks on police (PNC) which led Arévalo to declare a state of siege the previous day.
LatinNews Daily - 19 January 2026
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- REGION: EU-Mercosur deal inches closer but challenges remain
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Rodríguez announces reform of hydrocarbons law
- In brief: Fitch upgrades Bolivia’s credit rating
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula reiterates criticism of US actions in Venezuela
- In brief: Brazil’s economic activity rises
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo declares state of siege following gang violence
- In brief: Panama closes 2025 with annual deflation
Mexico
- MEXICO: Suspicions rise about US military actions
- In brief: Mexico’s Pemex issues bonds on local market
Southern Cone
- In brief: Chile declares catastrophe as fires rage
Washington Watch
- Trump meets oil executives to discuss Venezuela
On 17 January Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña hosted a meeting of heads of state of member nations of the Mercosur trade bloc, as well as the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the president of the European Council, António Costa, to sign the trade agreement and partnership agreement with the European Union (EU).
LatinNews Daily - 16 January 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Machado attempts to sway Trump in high-stakes meeting
Andean
- In brief: Colombia’s governors challenge tax hikes as Petro shuffles cabinet
Brazil
- BRAZIL: New justice minister highlights fight against organised crime
- In brief: Brazil’s Petrobras posts annual rise in production
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Castro confirms start of transition process
- In brief: Honduras posts rise in remittances
Mexico
- MEXICO: US ups pressure on security collaboration
- In brief: Mexico hails economic impact of World Cup
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast holds second meeting with Boric
- In brief: Argentina adds new mining project to investment scheme
On 15 January the Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met US President Donald Trump at the White House.
LatinNews Daily - 15 January 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Trump speaks to Rodríguez as oil sales begin
Andean
- In brief: Energy emergency declared in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula vetoes part of budget legislation
- In brief: Brazil’s police launch new phase of high-profile bank fraud probe
Central America & Caribbean
- HAITI: Security forces intensify anti-gang operations, target Chérizier
- In brief: Guatemala’s Arévalo hails impact of public investment
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum defends USMCA
- In brief: GM announces US$1bn investment in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: PNL rules out joining Kast’s cabinet
- In brief: Argentina sells bonds with high yields
On 14 January US President Donald Trump spoke on the phone with Venezuela’s new President Delcy Rodríguez, on the same day that the US reportedly completed its first sale of Venezuelan oil under an agreement with the Rodríguez administration.
LatinNews Daily - 14 January 2026
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- BOLIVIA: Gov’t reaches agreement to end protests
Andean
- In brief: Colombia makes record bond issuance
Brazil
- BRAZIL: New justice minister appointed
- In brief: Brazil’s vehicle sales up in 2025
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: Authorities denounce alleged plot to kill Chaves
- In brief: El Salvador’s Bukele unveils new bonus for workers
Mexico
- MEXICO: Salinas accuses government of ‘harassment’
- In brief: US announces funding to combat anti-labour practices in Mexico
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Police officer absolved in emblematic Estallido Social case
- In brief: Argentina’s annual inflation drops for second consecutive year
On 13 January Bolivia’s government reached an agreement with the umbrella workers’ union Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) to end weeks of protests that were sparked by the cancellation of fuel subsidies in December.
LatinNews Daily - 13 January 2026
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- MEXICO: Sheinbaum stands firm in Trump talks
Andean
- VENEZUELA: Prisoner release picks up pace
- In brief: Peruvian transport workers announce new strike due to crime concerns
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Authorities to probe Meta on promotion of AI
- In brief: Brazil seeks deeper ties with Saudi Arabia over critical minerals
Central America & Caribbean
- PANAMA: Landmark corruption trial begins
- In brief: Guatemala hails rise in tourism
Mexico
- In brief: Mexico issues sustainability eurobonds
Southern Cone
- CHILE/PERU: Setback for Kast as Jerí rejects migrant proposal
- In brief: Paraguayan beef lobby hails advantage of Mercosur deal
On 12 January Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke with US President Donald Trump on the phone, in their first conversation since the US intervention in Venezuela and amid escalating threats to deploy the US military against drug cartels in Mexico.
LatinNews Daily - 12 January 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Trump meets with oil leaders as another tanker seized
Andean
- In brief: Bolivia’s gov’t forced into U-turn amid protests
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Boost for government as Amazon deforestation slows
- In brief: Brazil’s annual inflation within target range
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Institutional crisis intensifies as Castro sanctions vote recount
- In brief: Cuba’s inflation falls
Mexico
- MEXICO: US demands more cooperation on tackling drug cartels
- In brief: Mexico’s industrial production continues to drop in annual terms
Southern Cone
- REGION: EU-Mercosur accord passes hurdle
- In brief: Argentina repays US swap line
Washington Watch
- US Secretary of State outlines Venezuela transition plan
On 9 January US President Donald Trump met with oil executives as he sought to spur private investment in Venezuela’s oil sector, on the same day that a fifth tanker was seized carrying Venezuelan crude.
LatinNews Daily - 09 January 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Gov’t announces release of prisoners
Andean
- In brief: Annual inflation falls in Colombia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Lula strikes down bill to reduce Bolsonaro prison time
- In brief: Brazil’s industrial production stagnates
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Legislator attacked as congress approves recount
- In brief: Dominican Republic posts record tourism
Mexico
- MEXICO: Pressure rises as US threatens land intervention to tackle cartels
- In brief: Mexico’s inflation slows in December
Southern Cone
- URUGUAY: Orsi looks at potential upside of Maduro’s demise
- In brief: Industrial production, construction down in Argentina
On 8 January the president of Venezuela’s national assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, announced that the authorities would release “a significant number” of prisoners.
LatinNews Daily - 08 January 2026
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- VENEZUELA: US seizes more tankers as Colombia aims to sway Trump
Andean
- In brief: Ecuador extends oil production contract with Chinese firm
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro allowed brief leave from jail for medical tests
- In brief: Brazil sees annual rise in net dollar outflow
Central America & Caribbean
- GUATEMALA: Gov’t warns of impact of 2025 budget rollover
- In brief: Guatemala posts rise in remittances
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum denies increase in oil shipments to Cuba
- In brief: Mexico opens anti-dumping probe into US apple imports
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: BCRA announces repo deal as key debt payment looms
- In brief: Chile posts record exports in 2025
On 7 January US forces seized two more tankers involved in the transport of Venezuelan crude, as Washington announced plans to control Venezuela’s oil sector indefinitely and Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro spoke with President Donald Trump to try and sway his increasingly militaristic stance towards Latin America.
LatinNews Daily - 07 January 2026
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- VENEZUELA: US alters its stance on Cártel de los Soles
Andean
- In brief: Annual inflation slows in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Exports up in 2025 despite US tariffs
- In brief: Brazil posts record international tourism in 2025
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Nasralla’s appeals against election result rejected
- In brief: Costa Rica hails FDI growth
Mexico
- MEXICO: Godoy continues FGR overhaul
- In brief: NWS case detected in Mexico’s Michoacán state
Southern Cone
- CHILE: Kast visits Peru to talk migration
- In brief: Argentina’s central bank makes another dollar purchase
On 6 January the US Department of Justice published a revised version of the indictment against Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026), largely removing references to his alleged leadership of a drug trafficking organisation named the Cártel de los Soles.
LatinNews Daily - 06 January 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Maduro pleads not guilty as Rodríguez sworn in as president
Andean
- In brief: Paz faces escalation of fuel protests in Bolivia
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Soy traders withdraw from landmark environmental agreement
- In brief: Brazil’s audit court to probe shuttering of high-profile bank
Central America & Caribbean
- COSTA RICA: New homicide figures pile fresh pressure on gov’t
- In brief: New US envoy to Costa Rica identifies China as key challenge
Mexico
- MEXICO: Gov’t repeats condemnation of US actions in Venezuela
- In brief: Mexico places first international bonds of 2026
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Central bank gets ball rolling with dollar purchases
- In brief: Uruguay’s inflation slows
On 5 January Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026) pleaded not guilty to drugs and weapons charges in a New York court.
LatinNews Daily - 05 January 2026
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- VENEZUELA: Uncertainty prevails following US capture of Maduro
Andean
- In brief: Peru’s gov’t approves restructuring of Petroperú
Brazil
- BRAZIL: Police orders Bolsonaro’s son to return from US
- In brief: Brazil’s unemployment rate reaches record low
Central America & Caribbean
- HONDURAS: Nasralla demands recount after Asfura confirmed election winner
- In brief: Honduras inflation closes 2025 within target range
Mexico
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum rejects US intervention as tensions rise
- In brief: Remittances to Mexico continue downwards trend
Southern Cone
- ARGENTINA: Milei moves to strengthen economy
- In brief: Chile’s economic activity up year-on-year, down in monthly terms
On 3 January Delcy Rodríguez took over as interim president of Venezuela after the US military bombed the capital Caracas and arrested former president Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026).
Weekly Report - 14 May 2026 (WR-26-19)
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- US spy planes cause stir as severity of fuel blockade laid bare
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- PERU: Sánchez clinches second only to face charges
- VENEZUELA-GUYANA: Rodríguez heads to ICJ to make Essequibo argument
- BOLIVIA: Morales’ supporters rally as he skips court appearance
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Protesters take to streets to defend public education
- BRAZIL: Supreme court deals blow to right-wing lawmakers
- BRAZIL: Lula meets Trump in Washington
- PARAGUAY: Creating a digital Itaipú
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Tensions escalate over alleged CIA operations
- MEXICO: Madrid leader leaves under cloud
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HAITI: Elections delayed again
- THE BAHAMAS: PLP retains power in snap election
POSTSCRIPT
- Venezuela involved in Colombian security decisions
- Quotes of the week
A report by US broadcaster CNN released on 10 May, that US military intelligence-gathering flights “are surging off the coast of Cuba”, is fuelling major speculation regarding the intentions of US President Donald Trump, who has previously threatened to “take” the island.
Weekly Report - 07 May 2026 (WR-26-18)
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- US indictment shakes Mexico’s national politics
- TRACKING TRENDS
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Cepeda denounces ELN electoral intervention
- PERU: Fujimori blasts Sánchez for link to extremist
- VENEZUELA: Attention turns to debt restructuring
- BOLIVIA: Judge assassinated as Marset’s cartel fractures
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Lula suffers defeats in congress
- CHILE: Unions lead protest against Kast administration
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo names new attorney general
- EL SALVADOR: More constitutional changes as 2027 election draws into focus
- CUBA: Trump doubles down, expands sanctions
POSTSCRIPT
- Browne makes history as ruling party sweeps Antigua elections
- Quotes of the week
The governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state, Rubén Rocha Moya, has temporarily stepped down from his role, following a bombshell US indictment that accused him and nine other current and former officials of ties with the Cártel de Sinaloa.
Weekly Report - 30 April 2026 (WR-26-17)
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- Violence erupts in Cauca as Petro talks security with Rodríguez
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- PERU: Sánchez strengthens grip on run-off berth
- BOLIVIA: Corruption allegations at the central bank
- ECUADOR: Billion-dollar gold mine faces opposition
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Tensions rise over Goiás state mining plans
- ARGENTINA: Milei offers Adorni full support
- CHILE: Kast admits to “mistake”
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Morena undergoes reshuffle as Sheinbaum eyes midterms
- MEXICO: CJNG crackdown continues amid US tensions
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Mass trial of MS-13 leadership kicks off
- HONDURAS: Budget boost amid efforts to revive IMF programme
POSTSCRIPT
- Dominican tourism booming – but for how long?
- Quotes of the week
Colombian media described a 25 April mortar attack on the Pan-American highway as one of the country’s worst terror attacks in decades.
Weekly Report - 23 April 2026 (WR-26-16)
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- Peru’s presidential election descends into farce
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- BOLIVIA: Ruling coalition suffers electoral setbacks
- ECUADOR: Majority of population facing curfews in May
- VENEZUELA: Reaching out to global lenders
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Kast presents key reform to congress
- BRAZIL: Lula appeals to allies in Europe
- BRAZIL: Ruling party to back centrist figure for Rio governorship
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Shooting at tourist site raises alarms
- MEXICO: Tensions resurface over US security intervention
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- CUBA: US talks confirmed
- HAITI-DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Patching up diplomatic relations
POSTSCRIPT
- Milei doubles down on Israel support
- Quotes of the week
Peru’s presidential election is growing more chaotic by the day.
Weekly Report - 16 April 2026 (WR-26-15)
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- Fujimori could face Sánchez in Peru run-off repeat
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Mining reform gets over line in latest win for US
- ECUADOR-COLOMBIA: Noboa doubles tariff rate as Petro dispute escalates
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- PARAGUAY: Rift in ruling party ahead of elections
- ARGENTINA: Bad time for bad number
- BRAZIL: New minister to handle institutional relations
- BRAZIL: Government seeks security cooperation with US
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Opening the door to fracking
- MEXICO: US sanctions find new target
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- GUATEMALA: Setback for Arévalo over key appointment
- PANAMA: Mulino seeks to downplay China tensions
- EL SALVADOR: Ruling party announces election date
POSTSCRIPT
- Díaz-Canel vows to stay put amid US pressure on Cuba
- Quotes of the week
Four days after the first round of presidential elections in Peru on 12 April the result remains up in the air.
Weekly Report - 09 April 2026 (WR-26-14)
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- Kast and Milei push alliance amid domestic challenges
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- PERU: Fujimori and one other
- COLOMBIA: Roa suspended as Ecopetrol chief executive
- VENEZUELA: Government and opposition cooperate over foreign assets
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Conservative parties boost presence in congress
- BRAZIL: Indigenous groups demand more of Lula
- ARGENTINA: Russian spy scandal triggers court probe and media ban
- PARAGUAY: Peña eyes cabinet reshuffle
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: New foreign minister appointed
- MEXICO: On the defensive over enforced disappearances
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- CUBA: Another big gesture to Washington
- HAITI: GSF mandate begins days after massacre
- NICARAGUA: Prisoner release Easter ‘gesture’
POSTSCRIPT
- Ecuador planning for early elections
- Quotes of the week
José Antonio Kast’s first foreign trip as president of Chile to Buenos Aires on 6 April was designed to showcase the right-wing alliance that he has forged with Argentina’s President Javier Milei and that he hopes to advance across South America. There were bear hugs and mutual praise, wreath-laying, and talk of enormous potential for cooperation between the two nations.
Weekly Report - 02 April 2026 (WR-26-13)
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- Venezuela’s rapprochement with Washington complete
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- PERU: Surprises still possible
- ECUADOR: Curfew in four provinces
- COLOMBIA: Conflicting reports about US investigation into Petro
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Government officials prepare for elections
- BRAZIL: Relief for Lula as corruption inquiry ends
- ARGENTINA: Government dodges US$16bn bullet
- CHILE: Kast popularity crunch
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Tensions rise over migrant deaths
- MEXICO: Government cracks down on illegal fuel market
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- CUBA: Russian relief as crude shipment arrives
POSTSCRIPT
- Bolivian hydrocarbon chief fired amid fuel fiasco
- Quotes of the week
After three months of accelerating rapprochement, diplomatic ties were fully restored between the US and Venezuela on 30 March when the Department of State announced a return to its abandoned embassy in Caracas, two days after Venezuelan diplomats moved back into their country’s embassy in Washington.
Weekly Report - 26 March 2026 (WR-26-12)
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- Colombian aviation tragedy prompts political mudslinging
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- PERU: Plethora of candidates seek voter support
- VENEZUELA: Smoke, mirrors, and democracy
- BOLIVIA: Shift to the right confirmed in regional elections
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Lula protégé to run for São Paulo governor again
- ARGENTINA: Rival narratives over 50th anniversary of coup
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Plan B goes to the vote
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum upbeat on Ayotzinapa investigation
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HONDURAS: Attorney general fired in ominous sign for Libre
- CUBA: Another nationwide blackout as Havana remains firm
POSTSCRIPT
- US actions give Kast early headache
- Quotes of the week
The wreckage was probably still smouldering at the site of a military plane crash, where at least 69 people lost their lives this week, when a furious blame game began in Colombia’s political arena.
Weekly Report - 19 March 2026 (WR-26-11)
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- Díaz-Canel admits official talks with Washington amid worsening crisis
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA : Rodríguez strengthens control, deepens US ties
- ECUADOR-COLOMBIA: Border bombing raises tensions as Noboa escalates crackdown
- BOLIVIA: Marset captured and extradited to US
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: Government under pressure over transparency issues
- CHILE: Kast fires up the excavators
- BRAZIL: Diplomatic tensions with US simmer
- BRAZIL: Rate-cut cycle begins
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum pushes on with electoral reform
- MEXICO: A new chapter in relations with Spain?
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HAITI: UN expert claims glimmer of hope, doubts persist
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele toughens sentences after report criticises rights abuses
POSTSCRIPT
- Peru’s candidates debate as government collapses
- Quotes of the week
After weeks of rumours, Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel has acknowledged that talks are taking place with the US administration led by President Donald Trump which, following its January military incursion in Venezuela and removal of former president Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026), has been applying unprecedented pressure to the island via an oil blockade, among other things.
Weekly Report - 12 March 2026 (WR-26-10)
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- Petro’s coalition edges elections but moderates hold the key
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: US focus shifts to mining sector
- ECUADOR: Correísmo in existential legal battle
- PERU: Court ruling could damage Fujimori’s candidacy
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Kast takes office promising new order
- BRAZIL: Lawmakers ramp up calls for inquiry into Banco Master
- BRAZIL: Signs of divisions on the left
- ARGENTINA: New justice minister seeks to appoint 200 judges
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum defiant in face of anti-cartel coalition snub
- MEXICO: Women’s marches reflect frustrations with government
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- GUATEMALA: Appointment process concludes for key courts
POSTSCRIPT
- Jurists warn of possible crimes against humanity in El Salvador
- Quotes of the week
Colombia’s ruling Pacto Histórico performed better than any left-wing coalition in the country’s history in congressional elections on 8 March and will be the largest bloc in both the senate and the lower chamber of congress when new senators and deputies take their seats in July.
Weekly Report - 05 March 2026 (WR-26-09)
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- Milei hitches fortune to US in key address to congress
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- PERU: Balcázar delays vote of confidence
- VENEZUELA: Machado plans her return
- ECUADOR: US military steps in as Noboa escalates war on crime
- BOLIVIA: Deadly plane crash litters El Alto with money
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Emboldened Bolsonaro holds rally in São Paulo
- BRAZIL: Government promises aid for Minas Gerais
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Electoral reform tests Morena allies
- MEXICO: Massive security presence for El Mencho funeral
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- REGION-CUBA: Rubio attends Caricom summit amid regional divisions
- HAITI: Fils-Aimé hails signing of new governance agreement
POSTSCRIPT
- EU-Mercosur trade deal gets go-ahead
- Quotes of the week
“A new world order is being configured,” Argentina’s President Javier Milei said in his state-of-the-nation address to a joint session of congress on 1 March, adding that the way the country inserted itself into this “will determine [its] destiny”.
Weekly Report - 26 February 2026 (WR-26-08)
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- El Mencho killing boosts Sheinbaum but could herald upsurge in violence
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Imperfect amnesty bill marks step towards political reform
- PERU: Balcázar faces rocky start with corruption trial looming
- BOLIVIA: Morales resurfaces
- ECUADOR: Noboa imposes spending limits on local government
- COLOMBIA: Petro claims voting system is flawed
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Top court sentences killers of Marielle Franco
- BRAZIL: Lula signs deals with Asian partners
- ARGENTINA: Government sees political opportunity
- CHILE: A cable twist for Kast?
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- CUBA: Renewed focus on Helms-Burton Act as US piles on pressure
- HONDURAS: Asfura holds talks with IMF
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Panama recovers control of ports at heart of US-China tensions
- Quotes of the week
Mexico’s security forces took out the country’s most powerful drug kingpin, Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), on 22 February.
Weekly Report - 19 February 2026 (WR-26-07)
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- Peru goes full circle as Jerí ousted and PL back in power
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Anti-regime protests spring up as fear dissipates
- ECUADOR: Leading opposition mayor arrested
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- ARGENTINA: CGT launches general strike over labour reform
- CHILE: Boric and Kast at loggerheads
- BRAZIL: Banco Master case judge faces rising pressure
- BRAZIL: Opposition rages over Lula Carnival tribute
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Shoring up Canadian trade ties
- MEXICO: Drama at the education ministry
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- GUATEMALA: Victories for Arévalo as key appointment process kicks off
- PANAMA: Mulino dealt setback
POSTSCRIPT
- Benedetti launches campaign for constituent assembly
- Quotes of the week
Parties from across the political spectrum in Peru voted to remove President José Jerí from power on 17 February.
Weekly Report - 12 February 2026 (WR-26-06)
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- Cuba feeling the strain as US heaps pressure on Mexico
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Re-arrests offer a warning to released political prisoners
- COLOMBIA: Senators targeted by armed groups
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- URUGUAY: Still the best despite sharpest fall
- CHILE: Kast risks upsetting parties by picking independents
- ARGENTINA: Labour reform moves forward in senate
- ARGENTINA: Government secures US trade and investment deal
- BRAZIL: Debates over public sector salary perks fuel tensions
- BRAZIL: Inflation tempers optimism over imminent rate cuts
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Trouble in Tequila
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HAITI: PM assumes control as CPT’s mandate ends
- HONDURAS: Asfura meets Trump
POSTSCRIPT
- Bolivia’s fuel saga takes on new dimension
- Quotes of the week
Cuba’s government was forced to issue a warning this week to international airlines that they would be unable to refuel on the island for at least a month due to fuel shortages.
Weekly Report - 05 February 2026 (WR-26-05)
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- Fernández cruises to victory in Costa Rica
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Petro strikes rapport with Trump
- ECUADOR: Correísmo hit with campaign finance investigation
- VENEZUELA: Rodríguez meets key opposition demand with amnesty bill
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Lula seeks reset as congress returns from recess
- ARGENTINA: Political battle over inflation stats
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Violence surges in Sinaloa
- MEXICO: Shake-up for Morena in the senate
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- PANAMA: China blasts court ruling striking down key ports concession
- CUBA: Washington tightens the screws
- TRACKING TRENDS
POSTSCRIPT
- Kast foreign visits focused on migration and security
- Quotes of the week
Laura Fernández won Costa Rica’s presidential elections at a canter on 1 February.
Weekly Report - 29 January 2026 (WR-26-04)
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- Efforts to dismiss Haiti’s prime minister draw condemnation
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Rubio says democratic transition will take time
- PERU: Jerí clinging on
- ECUADOR-COLOMBIA: Trade war erupts over claims of security negligence
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Kast cabinet both diverse and controversial
- BRAZIL: Lula walks tightrope on US relations
- BRAZIL: Far-right lawmakers lead demonstration in Brasília
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Football massacre showcases Guanajuato insecurity
- MEXICO: SCJN austerity in question
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HONDURAS: Trump-backed candidate assumes office
- COSTA RICA: Fernández closes in on victory
POSTSCRIPT
- Argentina’s unions to square off against Milei
- Quotes of the week
With days to go until the 7 February deadline for the mandate of Haiti’s transitional presidential council (CPT) to end, the nine-member body has sparked international condemnation over its decision to eject Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.
Weekly Report - 22 January 2026 (WR-26-03)
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- Machado goes on charm offensive as Venezuela debates oil reforms
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Catatumbo and Trump
- PERU: Jerí on the defensive over Chifagate
- TRACKING TRENDS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- REGION: EU-Mercosur deal plunged into uncertainty
- BRAZIL: Bolsonaro transferred to new prison
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Concerns build over US military intervention
- TRACKING TRENDS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- GUATEMALA: Arévalo declares state of siege amid gang violence
- HAITI: Targeting top gang leader as key deadline approaches
- COSTA RICA: Bukele pays another controversial visit to San José
POSTSCRIPT
- Can Rivadeneira pull Ecuador’s opposition together?
- Quotes of the week
Significant change may be coming for Venezuela’s oil sector after legislators began debating a reform to the country’s hydrocarbon law on 22 January.
Weekly Report - 15 January 2026 (WR-26-02)
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- Trump’s dream of Venezuelan oil bonanza met with scepticism
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Petro prepares to meet Trump as polls sour
- BOLIVIA: The short life of decree 5,503
- ECUADOR: Judge resigns over corruption case
- PERU: More protests over extortion
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Kast’s migrant plan encounters obstacles
- BRAZIL: Lula vetoes bill to reduce jail time for insurrectionists
- BRAZIL: New minister for justice and security
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum goes direct to Trump
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HONDURAS: Tensions rise as Castro and congress order recount
- CUBA: Another domino ready to fall?
- COSTA RICA: Frontrunner makes rare debate appearance
POSTSCRIPT
- Can Argentina’s government take the sting out of inflation?
- Quotes of the week
Nearly two weeks on from the US military raid on Caracas to seize former president Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026), Venezuelans are facing the prospect of their country being pulled tightly into Washington’s orbit without any corresponding democratisation process, at least in the short term.
Weekly Report - 08 January 2026 (WR-26-01)
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- Big stick back as US swoops to seize Maduro
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Petro seeks to mend ties with Trump amid military threat
- ECUADOR: Homicides hit all-time high in 2025
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Lula faces diplomatic dilemma over Venezuela
- BRAZIL: Institutions clash over controversial bank
- ARGENTINA: Milei seeks to hit ground running in 2026
- TRACKING TRENDS
MEXICO
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum walks tightrope with US
- MEXICO: Morena under pressure over megaproject safety
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HONDURAS: Asfura confirmed winner, challenges await
POSTSCRIPT
- Leading contender faces electoral ban in Peru
- Quotes of the week
The significance of events can often be diluted by hyperbole, but it is no exaggeration to describe the US decision to mount a military operation to seize Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as a seminal moment.
Security & Strategic Review - May 2026
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- Rodríguez coup-proofs Venezuela’s government
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Assassination threats hang over presidential candidates
- PERU: Balcázar on the ropes over fighter jet purchase
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Indigenous groups give tepid endorsement for Lula
- CHILE: Kast hails partnership with Milei
- CHILE: Government seeks to address school violence
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Challenges abound for new foreign minister
- MEXICO: Gulf oil spill prompts concern
- MEXICO: Shooting sparks questions over tourist safety
CENTRAL AMERICA
- COSTA RICA: Shoring up ties with the US
- REGION: Rights groups reiterate calls for end to gender violence
- NICARAGUA: Marking a key anniversary
CARIBBEAN
- GUYANA/TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Facing up to a reversal of fortunes
- REGION: UK-Caribbean ministerial forum emphasises rules-based order
General Vladimir Padrino López was a stalwart of Venezuela’s Chavista regime, in which he had served as defence minister since 2014.
Brazil & Southern Cone - April 2026
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- Introduction
Brazil
- Finance minister leaves mixed legacy on economy
- Overdue justice delivered in Marielle Franco murder case
Chile
- Chinese cable project forces Kast to walk diplomatic tightrope
Paraguay
- Peña notches public finance win with pension reform
- Government ramps up militarised response to organised crime
Argentina
- The risk of Milei’s shock economic opening
Uruguay
- Government unveils new security objectives
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
When Fernando Haddad took on the job of Brazil’s finance minister in January 2023, the former university professor and leftist intellectual was greeted with widespread scepticism.
Security & Strategic Review - April 2026
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- What next for Mexico after El Mencho killing?
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- ECUADOR: US joins Noboa’s war on crime
- ECUADOR: Opposition warns of democratic erosion
- BOLIVIA: ‘King of the South’ captured in Santa Cruz
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Chinese cable project forces Kast to walk diplomatic tightrope
- PARAGUAY: Government ramps up militarised response to organised crime
- BRAZIL: Overdue justice delivered in Marielle Franco murder case
- URUGUAY: Government unveils new security objectives
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum bets on electoral reform
CENTRAL AMERICA
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele under fresh pressure over human rights
- COSTA RICA/NICARAGUA: Renewed focus on cross-border illegal gold mining
- GUATEMALA: First ever prison census
CARIBBEAN
- CUBA: Four scenarios for 2026
- HAITI: A crucial few months
The killing of Mexico’s most powerful drug kingpin, Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, on 22 February served a major blow to the cartel he led, the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), and a significant boost for President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Caribbean & Central America - April 2026
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- Introduction
Central America
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele under fresh pressure over human rights
- COSTA RICA/NICARAGUA: Renewed focus on cross-border illegal gold mining
- GUATEMALA: First ever prison census
- REGION: Fuel price increases give governments hard choices
- HONDURAS: Public spending law hands Asfura new powers
Caribbean
- CUBA: Four scenarios for 2026
- HAITI: A crucial few months
- REGION: Searching for agreement on labour migration
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
El Salvador’s authoritarian President Nayib Bukele and his Nuevas Ideas (NI) government are facing renewed criticism over the state of human rights under the state of exception first implemented in March 2022 to tackle gangs, which remains in place.
Mexico - April 2026
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- Introduction
Security
- What next after El Mencho killing?
Democracy
- Sheinbaum bets on electoral reform
Economy
- Mexico, region face up to rising fuel prices
Infrastructure
- Ambitious infrastructure plan gets positive reception
Business
- Volaris-Viva Aerobus merger moves ahead
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
We begin this April edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico by examining the impact of the killing of one of the country’s most powerful drug kingpins, Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, on 22 February.
Brazil & Southern Cone - March 2026
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- Introduction
Argentina
- Boost for Milei with labour reform in Argentina
Brazil
- Crime concerns in Brazil remain high despite drop in murders
- Lula adopts fight against femicides as rallying cry
- Lula makes work-week reduction a campaign promise
Uruguay
- Modest growth and rising debt under Orsi despite tailwinds
- Government affirms partnership with China
Paraguay
- Peña’s reform course shows results
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
Argentina’s President Javier Milei scored one of his biggest victories yet when congress approved his sweeping labour reform in late February, making it cheaper and easier to hire and fire workers by cutting employee benefits, reducing employer obligations, and limiting the power of unions.
Security & Strategic Review - March 2026
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- Crime concerns in Brazil remain high despite drop in murders
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: Flawed amnesty bill signed into law
- COLOMBIA: Has the ‘total peace’ project been a total failure?
- ECUADOR: New security plan after record murders in 2025
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Lula adopts fight against femicides as rallying cry
- URUGUAY: Government affirms partnership with China
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Treading a fine line with Cuba
- MEXICO: Security struggles in Sinaloa
- MEXICO: Drought levels hit rock bottom
CENTRAL AMERICA
- NICARAGUA: Feeling the heat from Washington
- HONDURAS: GIEI presents final report on high-profile Cáceres murder
- PANAMA: Strengthening ties with the US
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele claims record drug haul amid other security achievements
CARIBBEAN
- BARBADOS: Mottley extends her dominance
Preliminary annual crime data for 2025 published by Brazil’s justice and public security ministry show that last year had the lowest number of homicides since 2015, and that murders have been declining every year for the last five years.
Andean Group - April 2026
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- Introduction
Ecuador
- US joins Noboa’s war on crime
- Opposition warns of democratic erosion
Bolivia
- ‘King of the South’ captured in Santa Cruz
- Paz seeks stronger Brazil ties in Lula meeting
Venezuela
- US deepens détente with Caracas to speed up oil exports
Ecuador
- Noboa angers local governments with unusual spending rule
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
With the war in the Middle East capturing most of the world’s attention, US air strikes in Ecuador on 3 March largely slipped under the radar.
Economy & Business - April 2026
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- Mexico, region face up to rising fuel prices
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: US deepens détente with Caracas to speed up oil exports
- ECUADOR: Noboa angers local governments with unusual spending rule
- BOLIVIA: Paz seeks stronger Brazil ties in Lula meeting
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Finance minister leaves mixed legacy on economy
- ARGENTINA: The risk of Milei’s shock economic opening
- PARAGUAY: Peña notches public finance win with pension reform
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- REGION: Fuel price increases give governments hard choices
- HONDURAS: Public spending law hands Asfura new powers
- REGION: Searching for agreement on labour migration
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Ambitious infrastructure plan gets positive reception
- MEXICO: Volaris-Viva Aerobus merger moves ahead
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Despite being a major producer of crude oil, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has been forced to take concerted action to cushion the blow from surging international energy prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Caribbean & Central America - March 2026
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- Introduction
Central America
- NICARAGUA: Feeling the heat from Washington
- HONDURAS: GIEI presents final report on high-profile Cáceres murder
- PANAMA: Strengthening ties with the US
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele claims record drug haul amid other security achievements
- EL SALVADOR: Bitcoin crash impacts debt markets and relations with IMF
- REGION: Record remittances to northern Central American nations in 2025
- PANAMA: US$3bn bond sale in first under Mulino
Caribbean
- BARBADOS: Mottley extends her dominance
- CUBA: Diesel travels by tank
- GUYANA: Largest budget yet
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
Following the US military action in Venezuela to remove former president Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026), and amid extreme US pressure against Managua’s other key ally in the region, Cuba, there are signs that Nicaragua’s authoritarian government led by co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo has been making concessions to Washington, as the first piece in this March 2026 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Caribbean & Central America explores.
Mexico - March 2026
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- Introduction
Diplomacy
- Treading a fine line with Cuba
Security
- Security struggles in Sinaloa
Environment
- Drought levels hit rock bottom
Economy & Security
- El Mencho killing risks long-term economic impacts
Economy
- Disappointing growth in 2025 despite Q4 boost
Economy & Finance
- Banxico pauses rate-cutting cycle
Finance
- Citi to sell a further stake in Banamex ahead of IPO
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This March edition of the Latin American Report: Mexico begins by looking at the difficult dichotomy that President Claudia Sheinbaum is trying to maintain in offering support to Cuba while also keeping on the good side of Washington.
Brazil & Southern Cone - February 2026
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- Introduction
Region
- More possible roadblocks for EU-Mercosur deal
Chile
- Prosecutor to lead security ministry under Kast
- Miners’ enthusiasm eases as Kast snubs cabinet hopes
- Activists ramp up calls for measures to prevent fires
Brazil
- New justice minister under scrutiny ahead of elections
- Rare earth giant wakes as minerals race heats up
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This February edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins with an analysis of the possible obstacles for the free trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Mercosur regional trade bloc.
Security & Strategic Review - February 2026
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- Honduras’ Asfura facing myriad issues upon taking office
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- PERU: Elections set to be shaped by crime concerns
- VENEZUELA: Was Maduro betrayed by his inner circle?
- COLOMBIA: Spying allegations open rift in government
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: New justice minister under scrutiny ahead of elections
- CHILE: Prosecutor to lead security ministry under Kast
- CHILE: Activists ramp up calls for measures to prevent fires
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Security serves as flashpoint with US
- MEXICO: Flagship rail project under scrutiny
- MEXICO: Cartels level-up with drone use
CENTRAL AMERICA
- GUATEMALA: Fragile security situation exposed
- COSTA RICA: Homicide figures remain near peak
CARIBBEAN
- CUBA: Fears grow of possible humanitarian crisis
- JAMAICA: Dealing with the consequences of Hurricane Melissa
- REGION: Caricom members struggling with the Trump challenge
Nasry Asfura of the right-wing Partido Nacional (PN) has been sworn in as Honduras’ new president following an electoral process mired in controversy, and now has the task of dealing with complex issues around security and international relations.
Andean Group - March 2026
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- Introduction
Venezuela
- Flawed amnesty bill signed into law
Colombia
- Has the ‘total peace’ project been a total failure?
- Legislative elections divide congress and muddle presidential race
Ecuador
- New security plan after record murders in 2025
- New law aims to turbocharge mining sector
Peru
- Chancay megaport becomes focus of US-China tensions
Bolivia
- Latest fuel crisis sparked by contamination issue
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
With the signing into law of an amnesty bill for political prisoners on 19 February, Venezuela’s new government has taken an important step towards easing the repression that prevailed under former president Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026).
Economy & Business - March 2026
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- Boost for Milei with labour reform in Argentina
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- COLOMBIA: Legislative elections divide congress and muddle presidential race
- ECUADOR: New law aims to turbocharge mining sector
- PERU: Chancay megaport becomes focus of US-China tensions
- BOLIVIA: Latest fuel crisis sparked by contamination issue
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- BRAZIL: Lula makes work-week reduction a campaign promise
- PARAGUAY: Peña’s reform course shows results
- URUGUAY: Modest growth and rising debt under Orsi despite tailwinds
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- EL SALVADOR: Bitcoin crash impacts debt markets and relations with IMF
- REGION: Record remittances to northern Central American nations in 2025
- PANAMA: US$3bn bond sale in first under Mulino
- CUBA: Diesel travels by tank
- GUYANA: Largest budget yet
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: El Mencho killing risks long-term economic impacts
- MEXICO: Disappointing growth in 2025 despite Q4 boost
- MEXICO: Banxico pauses rate-cutting cycle
- MEXICO: Citi to sell a further stake in Banamex ahead of IPO
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
President Javier Milei scored one of his biggest victories yet when congress approved his sweeping labour reform in late February.
Mexico - February 2026
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- Introduction
Security & Diplomacy
- Security serves as flashpoint with US
Politics & Security
- Flagship rail project under scrutiny
Security
- Cartels level-up with drone use
Economy
- Mexico hails ‘record’ tax take in 2025
Trade
- USMCA trade talks begin ahead of July deadline
Business
- Grupo Carso deepens involvement in oil sector
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This February edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico begins by examining the pressure that President Claudia Sheinbaum is facing from the US to up cooperation in the fight against drug cartels.
Caribbean & Central America - February 2026
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- Introduction
Central America
- HONDURAS: Asfura facing myriad issues upon taking office
- HONDURAS: Asfura promises new economic direction
- COSTA RICA: Chaves leaves mixed economic picture for successor Fernández
- COSTA RICA: Homicide figures remain near peak
- GUATEMALA: Fragile security situation exposed
Caribbean
- CUBA: Longer-term factors behind Cuba’s economic collapse
- CUBA: Fears grow of possible humanitarian crisis
- JAMAICA: Dealing with the consequences of Hurricane Melissa
- REGION: Caricom members struggling with the Trump challenge
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
Nasry Asfura of the right-wing Partido Nacional (PN) has been sworn in as Honduras’ new president following an electoral process mired in controversy.
Brazil & Southern Cone - January 2026
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- Introduction
Chile
- Kast seeks unity in quest for security reform
- Kast expected to moderate radical right-wing agenda
Brazil
- Bank collapse uncovers political, regulatory, market issues
- Lula faces challenges in projecting climate leadership
Argentina
- Milei bills advance in congress with writeoffs
- Military leader assumes civilian government post
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This January edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Brazil & Southern Cone begins with a look at the apparent signals from Chile’s far-right President-elect José Antonio Kast that he might moderate his stance and seek unity in order to pass reforms for his security agenda.
Security & Strategic Review - January 2026
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- US aims to steer Venezuela after capturing Maduro
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- ECUADOR: Plan for return of foreign military bases hits the buffers
- BOLIVIA: Paz administration signals coca crackdown
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Kast seeks unity in quest for security reform
- BRAZIL: Lula faces challenges in projecting climate leadership
- ARGENTINA: Military leader assumes civilian government post
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Challenges ahead for new attorney general
- MEXICO: Highway crime in the spotlight
- MEXICO: Another guilty plea from son of El Chapo
CENTRAL AMERICA
- HONDURAS: Libre to leave office with mixed record on security
- PANAMA: Mulino floats new anti-mafia law after record drug seizure
- NICARAGUA: Changes at CSJ as Murillo seeks to consolidate position
- GUATEMALA: OAS mission signals concern over judicial selection processes
CARIBBEAN
- ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES: The end of Comrade Ralph
- ST LUCIA: Pierre and the SLP face a more challenging second term
The 13-year presidency of Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026) came to a dramatic end on 3 January when US special forces seized the Venezuelan leader and his wife against a backdrop of airstrikes in Caracas and whisked them away to face drugs and weapons charges in a New York courtroom.
Andean Group - February 2026
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- Introduction
Peru
- Elections set to be shaped by crime concerns
Colombia
- Spying allegations open rift in government
Venezuela
- Was Maduro betrayed by his inner circle?
- New law reopens oil industry to private sector
Ecuador/Colombia
- Noboa unleashes Trump-style tariff war to prod Petro
Peru
- Petroperú faces restructuring
Bolivia
- Good news and bad
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
The 12 April general elections in Peru will take place against a backdrop of rising violence in which criminal groups are growing visibly more powerful.
Economy & Business - February 2026
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- Longer-term factors behind Cuba’s economic collapse
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- VENEZUELA: New law reopens oil industry to private sector
- ECUADOR/COLOMBIA: Noboa unleashes Trump-style tariff war to prod Petro
- PERU: Petroperú faces restructuring
- BOLIVIA: Good news and bad
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- REGION: More possible roadblocks for EU-Mercosur deal
- BRAZIL: Rare earth giant wakes as minerals race heats up
- CHILE: Miners’ enthusiasm eases as Kast snubs cabinet hopes
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- HONDURAS: Asfura promises new economic direction
- COSTA RICA: Chaves leaves mixed economic picture for successor Fernández
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Mexico hails “record” tax take in 2025
- MEXICO: USMCA trade talks begin ahead of July deadline
- MEXICO: Grupo Carso deepens involvement in oil sector
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Cuba faces multiple crises: oil imports have halted, following the US’ removal of Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026) and subsequent threat of tariffs on other oil suppliers; the power grid only operates at half its capacity; and there are food and foreign currency shortages.
Mexico - January 2026
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- Introduction
Security & Politics
- Challenges ahead for new attorney general
Security
- Highway crime in the spotlight
- Another guilty plea from son of El Chapo
Trade
- Tariffs on China take effect
Aviation
- Airline merger to face close regulatory scrutiny
Politics & Economy
- Sheinbaum moves on labour law overhaul
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
This year’s first edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Mexico begins by looking at the challenges that lie ahead for Mexico’s new attorney general, Ernestina Godoy.
Caribbean & Central America - January 2026
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- Introduction
Central America
- HONDURAS: Libre leaves office with mixed record on security
- PANAMA: Mulino floats new anti-mafia law after record drug seizure
- NICARAGUA: Changes at CSJ as Murillo seeks to consolidate position
- GUATEMALA: OAS mission signals concern over judicial selection processes
- GUATEMALA: Setback for gov’t as CC suspends 2026 budget
- NICARAGUA: US imposes phased-in tariffs following trade investigation
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele gov’t announces AI education partnership with Elon Musk
Caribbean
- ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES: The end of Comrade Ralph
- ST LUCIA: Pierre and the SLP face a more challenging second term
- CUBA: New devaluation fails to convince the markets
- HAITI: Economic recovery on the agenda
- REGION: Tough year ahead?
Economic Highlights
- Economic Highlights
Xiomara Castro’s presidential term ended in Honduras on 27 January.
Andean Group - January 2026
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- Introduction
Venezuela
- US aims to steer Venezuela after capturing Maduro
- The long path to rebuilding Venezuela’s broken economy
Ecuador
- Plan for return of foreign military bases hits the buffers
Bolivia
- Paz lands partial victory after fuel subsidy fight
- Paz administration signals coca crackdown
Highlights
- Economic Highlights
We begin this January 2026 edition of the Latin American Regional Report: Andean Group with two articles looking at the fallout of the US military raid on Venezuela to arrest former president Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026) and his wife on drug and weapons charges.
Economy & Business - January 2026
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- The long path to rebuilding Venezuela’s broken economy
ANDEAN COUNTRIES
- BOLIVIA: Paz lands partial victory after fuel subsidy fight
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
BRAZIL & SOUTHERN CONE
- CHILE: Kast expected to moderate radical right-wing agenda
- BRAZIL: Bank collapse uncovers political, regulatory, market issues
- ARGENTINA: Milei bills advance in congress with writeoffs
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
- GUATEMALA: Setback for gov’t as CC suspends 2026 budget
- NICARAGUA: US imposes phased-in tariffs following trade investigation
- EL SALVADOR: Bukele gov’t announces AI education partnership with Elon Musk
- CUBA: New devaluation fails to convince the markets
- HAITI: Economic recovery on the agenda
- REGION: Tough year ahead?
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
MEXICO & USMCA
- MEXICO: Tariffs on China take effect
- MEXICO: Airline merger to face close regulatory scrutiny
- MEXICO: Sheinbaum moves on labour law overhaul
- ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Celebrations were largely absent in the streets of Caracas after the dramatic US raid to arrest former president Nicolás Maduro (2013-2026) on drug and weapons charges on 3 January.
Rare earths and critical minerals
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- Rare earths and critical minerals - what are they?
- Where are they?
- What is the outlook for demand?
- The US-China stand off
- Washington plays catch up
- The European perspective
- Brazil leads the charge
- USA Rare Earth makes its move in Brazil
- Concern over REE preferential access
- Argentina: the lithium RIGI story
- New Chilean government eyes value added
- Peru seen as player with “high geological potential”
- 2023 mining law holds Mexico back
- Bolivia moves away from state-led industrialisation
- Corporate moves in critical minerals and REEs
- Rare earths and the environment
- Conclusion – the coming boom
Perhaps the first question to ask about rare earth elements (REE) and critical minerals is what are they are and where they are? The US Geological Survey identifies around 50 “critical materials” judged to be essential for renewable energy projects, defence systems, and advanced manufacturing.
The return of the Monroe Doctrine
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- The end of an era?
- Is the Monroe Doctrine coming back?
- Boats and tankers under threat
- The big picture; US national security strategy (NSS)
- China maintains LAC focus
- Trump’s use of tariffs
- Latin America swings to the right
- 2026: a year of heightened risk
- What chances of a nationalist backlash?
- Examining the future (1): Mexico
- Examining the future (2): Brazil
- Examining the future (3): Colombia
- Conclusion: the year of uncertainty
At round 2am local time in the morning of 3 January this year, a force of some 150 US military aircraft used bombs and missiles to attack a series of targets in Caracas and outlying areas, clearing the way for approximately 200 Special Forces troops to come in by helicopter, surround a presidential compound at a military base in the capital, and capture President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Celia Flores.
Election Watch
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- Introduction
- COSTA RICA: Continuity candidate remains favourite in uncertain race
- PERU: Anything could happen
- COLOMBIA: Deep polarisation to squeeze out moderates
- THE BAHAMAS: PLP looking for a second term
- BARBADOS: Mottley calls snap election
- BRAZIL: Lula guns for re-election, but not guaranteed
- HAITI: Will elections finally take place?
This year will see voters head to the polls in four Latin American countries - Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia, and Brazil - and at least two in the Caribbean, where elections are due in The Bahamas and an early election has been called in Barbados.