Colombia
Colombian president blasts Ukraine-US minerals deal as "stupidity"
Colombian President Gustavo Petro Urrego has criticised Ukraine's intention to finalise an agreement granting the United States access to its rare earth minerals, slamming the move as "stupidity."
Trump's migration clampdown endangers remittances lifeline to Central America
Trump's crackdown threatens vital remittances to Central America, where money sent by migrants makes up to 27% of GDP. The region received $160.9bn in 2024, but these crucial flows now face risk as families depend on them for survival.
Latin America faces growth hit as trade tensions escalate, warns Moody's
Trade conflicts and new tariffs could reduce Latin American economic growth by 0.3 percentage points in 2025 and 0.4 percentage points in 2026, with recovery delayed until 2028, Moody's Analytics warned in a recent report.
EU eyes “strategic autonomy” partnership with Latin America amid deepening rift with US
The European Union is seeking to deepen its relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean, framing the partnership as one built on "strategic autonomy" rather than as a counterbalance to China's growing influence in the region.
Telefónica seeks buyers across Latin America eyeing near-complete market exit
Telefónica is pulling out of most of Latin America in a move that marks the end of an era for the Spanish telecommunications giant.
Uruguay leads Americas in anti-corruption rankings as regional standards slip
Uruguay has emerged as a beacon of transparency in the Americas, securing the top position in Transparency International's latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) with a score of 76 points – its highest since 2012.
Trump’s USAID retreat from Latin America opens door to Chinese influence
The Trump administration's sweeping plans to axe USAID are poised to deliver a significant blow to humanitarian and development programmes across Latin America, paving the way for Beijing's increased activity.
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COMMENT: Trump's Latin America gambit pays off, but at what cost?
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency has reignited tensions between the United States and Latin America. However, recent events have allowed Trump to secure his first wins through an aggressive, transactional foreign policy.
Colombia’s Petro claims cocaine “no worse than whiskey” in controversial broadcast
Colombian President Gustavo Petro sparked controversy during a heated live-broadcast cabinet meeting by claiming cocaine's illegal status stems from Latin American prejudice rather than science-based health concerns.
“Latin American Davos” kicks off in Panama as region battles growth slump
Panama is hosting what organisers touted as the region's answer to Davos, as political and business leaders gather to tackle Latin America's persistent economic challenges amid growing concerns over rising poverty and middle-class stagnation.
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Climate crisis threatens Latin America's fight against hunger, UN report says
Latin America and the Caribbean face mounting risks to food security as climate change intensifies, with the region now second only to Asia in its exposure to extreme weather events, according to a joint report by UN agencies.
Mexico and Central America face pressure over US deportation push
Donald Trump's administration has launched what it calls "the largest massive deportation operation in history", dismantling key migration programmes and triggering diplomatic tensions across Latin America.
LATAM BLOG: US-Colombia migrant standoff tests Washington's regional sway
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has mounted an unprecedented challenge to US President Donald Trump’s hawkish immigration policy, setting off a now-resolved diplomatic crisis that threatens to upend the historic alliance.
COMMENT: Is Latin America prepared for Trump 2.0?
Donald Trump’s return to the White House, heralded by his inaugural address and subsequent executive orders, has sent shockwaves across the world and Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Panama.
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Russia arrests Colombian fighter in occupied Kursk as mercenary crackdown widens
A Colombian citizen has been detained near the village of Alexandria in Russia's Kursk region on charges of terrorism and mercenary activity, as both Moscow and Kyiv grapple with the growing presence of foreign fighters in their ranks.
Trump's return to White House draws polarised Latin American response
Latin America has split over Donald Trump's White House return, with a handful of leaders rushing to embrace the new president while others eye his protectionist agenda with alarm.
Iranian influx to Venezuela via Colombia triggers regional security fears
Iranian nationals bearing falsified passports, allegedly linked to Venezuela, have begun appearing in Colombia in significant numbers in recent weeks, triggering alarm among Latin American security officials over Tehran's influence in the region.
Latin America set for tepid growth as Trump tariff threat looms, ECLAC says
Latin America and the Caribbean face another year of lacklustre economic performance, with growth projected at just 2.2 per cent in 2024 and 2.4 per cent in 2025, according to a report by ECLAC, which also warned of risks from potential US tariffs.
Latin America urged to boost tax take and private investment to close development gap
Latin American and Caribbean nations must radically strengthen tax collection and private sector involvement to bridge a $99bn annual sustainable financing gap, according to a new report from leading international organisations.
IMF: Breaking Latin America’s cycle of low growth and violence
Violent crime and insecurity cost Latin America 3.4% of GDP annually, fueling a vicious cycle of low growth, emigration and instability. Breaking this requires bold reforms, stronger institutions and regional cooperation to tackle organised crime.