Weekly Report - 28 November 2024 (WR-24-47)

The recent opening of the Chancay mega-port in Peru has raised hopes of an economic uplift in neighbouring Bolivia, which is struggling with shortages of fuel and US dollars. The prospect of a significantly shortened shipping route between Peru and China has sparked speculation that Bolivia could also receive a boost to its exports. The signing of a lithium production contract with China’s CBC Investments Ltd on 26 November was the latest sign that President Luis Arce’s government views increased trade with Asia as the best route out of the economic quagmire.