AGP Executive Report

Peru’s Power Shift: Keiko Fujimori is set to take office as Peru’s president, promising a hardline security push against gangs and extortion while also tackling El Niño risks. Regional Politics: Her win adds to Latin America’s rightward tilt, with leaders across the Southern Cone and Andes gathering in Lima for the handover. Brazil’s Election Tech Twist: Jair Bolsonaro’s AI avatar appeared at Flavio Bolsonaro’s campaign launch despite Bolsonaro’s house arrest, spotlighting how virtual surrogates could shape the race. Colombia Clean Energy Deal: NOVVA Group will buy a 37.8 MW solar portfolio in central Colombia from ABO Energy, targeting early-2028 operations. Colombia Fiscal Pulse: Grupo Cibest’s trackers show Colombia’s tax collection hitting $23.3T COP in June, tracking the 2026 target. Mexico Security Crackdown: Authorities arrested the widow of a murdered mayor in Morelos in an extortion case tied to cartel violence. Payments Expansion: ACI Worldwide and dLocal will let global merchants access local payment methods in Brazil and Mexico via one integration. UNESCO Culture: Brazil’s Amazonia theatres (Teatro Amazonas and Theatro da Paz) were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Peru Transition: King Felipe VI met with elected President Keiko Fujimori in Lima ahead of her inauguration, signaling Spain’s close watch on Peru’s political handover. Chile Justice: A retired Chilean colonel was finally jailed in the decades-old case of singer Víctor Jara’s murder, a long-awaited step for victims’ families. U.S.-Tariff Pressure on LatAm: U.S. Trade Rep Jamieson Greer said Trump’s forced-labor tariffs on 60 partners won’t have major economic impact, even as Ecuador’s non-oil exports face a continuing 10% charge and Ecuadorian agriculture gets partial exemptions. Trade Deal Push: South Korea and Brazil agreed the Korea-Mercosur trade pact should not be delayed further, expanding cooperation into defense, aerospace, and critical minerals. Venezuela Earthquake Response: PSUV leaders in La Guaira reported distributing 15,000+ meals and called for ending sanctions as recovery shifts into reconstruction. Food Safety Shock: Retailers and restaurants pulled back from central Mexico produce amid the cyclosporiasis outbreak, raising pressure on supply chains. Argentina Economy Watch: IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva praised Milei’s reforms as Argentina’s debt servicing outlook improves. Brazil Culture: Two Amazon opera houses, Teatro Amazonas and Theatro da Paz, won UNESCO World Heritage status. Mexico Business: Grupo Bafar reported strong Q2 growth, driven by innovation and expansion.

Venezuela Politics: Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia said they will not participate in US-backed talks with Delcy Rodríguez’s de facto government, rejecting any role in the talks’ design and insisting on clear objectives and timelines. Diplomacy Shock: Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina and summoned Argentina’s envoy after Javier Milei called Lula a “thief” and “convict” and mocked a Brazilian Supreme Court justice, escalating the worst crisis between Mercosur partners. Colombia Foreign Policy: President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella says he will sever ties with Cuba and Nicaragua and close multiple diplomatic missions after taking office, citing opposition to “authoritarian regimes.” Argentina Economy: IMF chief Georgieva is set to visit Milei as investors weigh reform momentum against a looming 2027 debt repayment crunch. Brazil Campaign Trail: Lula kicked off his reelection push in São Paulo, while Flávio Bolsonaro formally launched his candidacy in the same battleground state. Food Safety: Cyclospora outbreaks linked to produce have spread, with UK cases tied to Mexico and US infections rising. Mining & Energy: Argentina’s lithium project advances toward a definitive feasibility study, while Brazil’s GALP profits jumped 44% on higher oil output and Brent prices.

Brazil-Argentina Diplomatic Fallout: Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina after Javier Milei attacked Lula and even a Supreme Court justice at a São Paulo event tied to Flávio Bolsonaro’s candidacy, escalating a fresh row over election interference fears. Cuba-U.S. Sanctions Clash: Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced Washington’s oil embargo and expanded sanctions as “political genocide,” linking them to blackouts and fuel shortages while marking the Moncada anniversary. Venezuela Opposition Stance: Maria Corina Machado said she will not join U.S.-backed talks with Delcy Rodríguez’s de facto government, rejecting the process and defending Edmundo González Urrutia’s 2024 election win. Trade & Food Safety: Mexico’s livestock access to the U.S. resumes in phases after a screwworm ban, while a U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico keeps widening to nine states. Business Moves: Chipotle opened its first Mexico restaurant in Monterrey-area Nuevo León, and South Korea’s Lee Jae Myung began a Brazil visit aimed at trade and investment talks. Peru Politics: Keiko Fujimori’s Popular Force won Peru’s Senate presidency as Congress reboots the bicameral system ahead of her inauguration.

Brazil Election Tensions: Brazil denied visas to two senior U.S. State Department officials who planned to meet electoral authorities ahead of the Oct. 4 vote, with Brazilian officials saying the trip could be politically exploited to undermine the electoral system. Brazil Politics: The Liberal Party formally nominated Flávio Bolsonaro as its presidential candidate, setting up a faceoff with Lula in October as the campaign heats up. Venezuela and the ICC: Venezuela notified the UN it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, citing “geographical bias,” while the U.S. welcomed the move and urged other countries to abandon the tribunal. Cuba Energy-Water Crisis: Cuba’s deepening energy crisis is leaving millions struggling to access water as power cuts halt pumping and fuel shortages worsen outages. Chile Copper Disruptions: A major Andean storm forced suspensions at Chile’s copper operations, threatening supply stability as production capacity is curtailed. Regional Trade/Business: Chile and the Philippines concluded talks on their first Latin America free trade deal, while Mexico-USMCA negotiations and cross-border logistics plans (including the Rio South Texas corridor) keep trade in focus.

Brazil Election Tensions: Brazil denied visas to two senior U.S. State Department officials meant to meet electoral authorities, citing “risk of political exploitation” as Flávio Bolsonaro renews claims about the electronic voting system. Bolsonaro Campaign: Brazil’s Liberal Party formally nominated Flávio Bolsonaro as its October candidate, pitching tax cuts and a tougher crime line while facing Lula’s momentum. Amazon Health Alarm: In Brazil’s Amazon, researchers report microplastic contamination in jaraqui fish eaten by local communities, raising new worries about what’s entering everyday diets. Venezuela Earthquake Aftermath: One month on, Venezuela’s recovery remains slow and costly, with thousands dead and tens of thousands of buildings damaged; engineers have inspected over 8,000 structures in Caracas. Cuba Rights Debate: Cuban jurists and activists mark Moncada Day with sharp claims that freedoms are worse today than in 1953, as protests reportedly intensify. U.S.-Mexico Trade Pressure: The U.S. lifted its cattle import ban from Mexico, but Trump also floated tariffs on Mexico over a lettuce-linked illness outbreak.

Venezuela and the ICC: Venezuela has formally notified the UN it will permanently withdraw from the International Criminal Court, accusing the court of “geographic bias” and political targeting of the Maduro government. Earthquake recovery: A month after twin quakes, victims in Venezuela are still sleeping amid rubble as reconstruction drags on and damage estimates keep climbing. Brazil election politics: Brazil’s Flávio Bolsonaro is set to be confirmed as the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate, with a new Datafolha poll showing Lula leading in the race and U.S. tariff pressure emerging as a campaign issue. U.S.-Mexico trade talks: The U.S. and Mexico are scheduling more USMCA talks for September, with autos content rules still a major sticking point. Tariffs and legal fights: New U.S. tariffs are pushing businesses into court challenges while analysts warn of broader economic strain. Cuba under pressure: The State Department alleges Cuba has infiltrated U.S. institutions, while Cuba’s health sector continues to feel the impact of sanctions. Food supply strain in Cuba: Blackouts and cold-chain breakdown are leaving Cuban stores with empty refrigerators and fewer basic goods.

US Tariffs Hit Latin America: The Trump administration rolled out forced-labor tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, covering 99% of U.S. imports, triggering immediate backlash and a first lawsuit by small businesses. Venezuela–ICC Rift: Venezuela notified the UN it is starting a permanent withdrawal from the ICC, calling the court biased against Africa and Latin America; Trump also said Venezuela isn’t “ready” for elections yet. Trade Deals in Focus: Canada and Ecuador signed a free trade agreement in Ottawa, while Peru marked progress on customs modernization under SECO-WCO. Regional Security & Indigenous Rights: Brazil and Peru agreed to coordinate protection for Indigenous territories, including isolated peoples along their border. Mexico Violence at Local Level: A Morelos mayor was killed inside a town hall, renewing fears for municipal officials. Health & Food Impact: A cyclospora outbreak tied to lettuce linked to Mexico is driving declines in restaurant traffic across the U.S. Environment & Culture: Chile strengthened whale protections amid rising ship collisions, and Mexico’s INAH mapped a major Maya city in Campeche.

Mexico Health Alert: Taylor Farms temporarily shut its Central Mexico shredded-iceberg-lettuce facility tied to a growing U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak, as Michigan reports thousands of cases and more investigations continue. Venezuela Disaster Fallout: One month after the June 24 earthquakes, a report says Venezuela’s death toll could have been lower with a professional first-response, while the official toll is reported at 5,398 dead and thousands injured and displaced. U.S.-Tariff Pressure on the Region: The U.S. rolled out forced-labor-related tariffs affecting dozens of economies, drawing pushback from allies including Brazil and the EU and raising new compliance worries for supply chains. Brazil Trade Shield: Lula signed an 18.5 billion-real emergency credit line to help exporters absorb a new 25% U.S. tariff. Colombia Tax Spotlight: The OECD says Colombia’s 35% corporate tax rate is among the world’s highest, putting pressure on competitiveness. Energy & Industry: Brazil’s Los Pelambres mine resumed after heavy rain disruptions, while Curaçao banned Venezuelan banana plant imports over Panama disease risk. Politics & Culture: Argentina’s Milei heads to Brazil to back Flavio Bolsonaro’s run, and Colombia swore in former adult performer Amaranta Hank to fight for adult-content creators’ rights.

U.S.-Tariff Shock Across the Region: The Trump administration rolled out forced-labor tariffs covering 85 countries/60 economies, with Mexico’s economy minister saying Mexico’s effective tariff rate won’t change thanks to USMCA exemptions. Cuba Under Renewed Pressure: Washington announced fresh sanctions targeting Cuba’s energy chain, GAESA-linked evasion networks, and medical exports, while Catholic Relief Services received $60 million to expand aid to more than half a million Cubans. Venezuela Earthquake Fallout: The World Bank put June 24 quake damage at $19.6bn in direct physical losses and warned rebuilding costs could be far higher, as the country faces deep poverty and displacement. Mexico Security Crisis: Mexico asked for criminal charges tied to 17 deaths in ICE custody or enforcement operations, as a new wave of violence continues to hit local officials. Chile’s Balancing Act: Chile’s diplomacy is caught between deeper U.S. alignment and heavy economic dependence on China for copper and lithium. Energy & Industry: Venezuela’s oil ministry urged partners to keep a July 28 deadline to migrate contracts, while Brazil’s antitrust push targets alleged media rights cartel behavior.

Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba: The EU approved an extra €10 million in aid for Cuba as the island’s energy crisis worsens, targeting health services, food support, and water repairs for the most vulnerable. Food Safety Clash: Mexico denied responsibility for a cyclospora outbreak tied by U.S. regulators to lettuce from Taylor Farms in Guanajuato, as cases topped 4,000 and officials debate whether surveillance cuts helped outbreaks spread. Brazil Tariffs Response: President Lula said Brazil won’t “cry” over U.S. tariffs and is pushing for other buyers, unveiling an R$18.5 billion support package for sectors hit by the 25% surcharges. Argentina Protests: Thousands rallied in Buenos Aires against Milei’s austerity, with pensioners and unions leading the street pressure. Peru Fire Tragedy: A suspected arson blaze in Lima killed 10 people, including five children, after neighbors alleged threats and extortion tied to the family’s business. Regional Business: MercadoLibre discussed an in-house pharmacy plan with Chilean authorities, while Brazil’s Pix payments system and U.S. tariff fights keep reshaping cross-border commerce.

USMCA Talks & Tariff Pressure: The U.S. and Mexico kicked off a third round of USMCA talks focused on revising the deal after Washington let it lapse with Canada, while Trump’s 50% tariff threat on Canadian goods is already rattling exporters and raising uncertainty for businesses. Brazil Tariff Response: Brazil’s vice-president says the country’s “reciprocity” law is not retaliation but a response to unfair treatment, as new U.S. duties on Brazilian products take hold. Venezuela Court & Oil Money Scrutiny: A U.S. judge set a June 2027 trial date for Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores on drug charges, while lawmakers accuse Washington of controlling billions in Venezuelan oil revenue “without transparency.” Cuba Aid & US Pressure: The U.S. sent its first humanitarian aid flight to Cuba via Catholic groups, as Rubio again frames Cuba as a source of communist influence operations. Colombia Tourism: Whale watching season has opened on Colombia’s Pacific coast, with humpbacks returning to Bahia Málaga and Chocó. Peru Sewer Repairs: Peru officials are still tracing why storm rains triggered sewer backups, after crews pulled foreign objects from mains.

Venezuela-US Court Fight: Maduro and Cilia Flores return to a New York courtroom for a hearing that could shape a possible June 2027 trial date in their drug-trafficking case, while Rubio says US-backed transition talks with interim authorities and opposition are set to start in early August. Cuba-US Tensions: Havana rejects a new US State Department human-rights report as “misleading propaganda,” as Washington again labels Cuba a major subversive threat; meanwhile, tourism keeps shrinking as Meliá and Iberostar pull back from operating hotels on the island under sanctions pressure. Colombia Transition Clash: President Petro files a petition to annul the June 21 election, alleging vote manipulation, as the incoming government prepares to take office amid a widening “lawfare” dispute. Brazil Trade Shock: A new US tariff on Brazilian imports takes effect July 22, with exemptions for some goods, as Trump’s broader tariff push raises fears of retaliation. Argentina After World Cup: Spain’s win is still reverberating—Argentina faces FIFA scrutiny after the final brawl and a wave of online abuse targeting Argentines abroad. Brazil Infrastructure Push: Brazil weighs about R$150bn in upgrades to existing transport concessions, including highways, metro lines, and rail renewals. Mexico Media & Culture: TelevisaUnivision’s Canal 5 will air a Spanish-dubbed Korean drama, while Mexico also faces ongoing public health and trade-policy debates.

Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: The U.S. and Catholic Relief Services sent the first flight of prepackaged food and hygiene kits to up to 700 Cuban families under Rubio’s $100 million plan, aiming to bypass regime diversion via local church networks. Food Safety Fallout (U.S.-Mexico): The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked by the FDA to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico has triggered recalls and major consumer anxiety, while Mexico says its own probe hasn’t found evidence the source is in-country. Colombia’s Political Reset: Hard-right president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella’s push for Senate leadership failed, signaling tougher coalition math ahead as he takes office Aug. 7. Venezuela Court Fight: Nicolás Maduro is set for a New York pre-trial hearing tied to U.S. charges of “drug-related terrorism,” with his defense costs and detention status still in focus. Argentina Fisheries Governance: Argentina joined the FAO Port State Measures Agreement to tighten controls against illegal fishing in the South Atlantic. Mexico Trade Talks: U.S.-Mexico USMCA talks resumed for the first annual review as Washington pressures Canada with new tariffs. Argentina Credit Upgrade: Moody’s raised Argentina’s rating from Caa1 to B3, citing lower default risk from Milei’s stabilization push. World Cup Aftershocks: Spain’s extra-time win over Argentina brought FIFA’s record $50 million prize, while Argentina faces ongoing FIFA scrutiny after final brawl scenes. Mexico EV Push: BYD launched an upgraded Seal 05 DM-i plug-in hybrid in Mexico, branded BYD KING, touting a record range for the segment.

FIFA Discipline: FIFA opened a formal disciplinary investigation into Argentina after the Spain-Argentina World Cup final brawl, appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to review post-match incidents involving players and staff, with potential sanctions still on the table. Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. upheld a 25% tariff on Brazilian footwear despite industry concerns, while Washington also moved against Canada with new 50% duties—fueling fresh pressure across North American supply chains. USMCA Talks: Mexico’s ambassador says USMCA revisions should be finished by year-end as U.S.-Mexico negotiators meet again in Mexico City, excluding Canada, amid Trump’s tariff push. Payments Clash: Brazil’s Pix is at the center of a new Brazil-U.S. fight over digital payments, with U.S. officials citing Pix as a trade barrier. Amazon Conservation: Inditex and Conservation International will invest about €6.5 million from 2026-2028 to protect and manage Amazon areas across six countries. Energy & Industry: Terra Innovatum signed an LOI to deploy up to 8MWe of microreactor power at a Brazil data center, while KBR’s ammonia technology was selected for a major Argentina fertilizer complex. Cybersecurity: ServiceNow’s AI platform flaw is being exploited in the wild, raising risks for organizations using self-hosted instances.

World Cup Fallout: FIFA opened a disciplinary investigation into the post-match brawl after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time, with Argentina players and staff accused of violating protocol and attacking opponents. Colombia Politics: Outgoing President Gustavo Petro urged supporters to defend labor-law reforms and resist changes after President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella takes office, warning of street mobilization. Brazil Economy & Elections: Brazil’s GDP grew 0.7% in May, driven by household consumption, while Brazil’s election calendar kicked off as parties begin formalizing coalitions and candidates ahead of October 4. Peru Earthquake: A 5.1 quake in Junín killed at least six and injured more than 30, damaging homes and historic sites. Cuba-U.S. Tensions: The U.S. State Department released a report accusing Cuba of infiltrating U.S. politics and backing left-wing activism and “terrorism.” Trade & Tariffs: Trump signed 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, setting up fresh pressure on North American supply chains. Public Health: U.S. health officials said a false-positive test didn’t change their focus on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico amid the Cyclospora outbreak. Brazil Betting Tax: Brazil collected nearly R$10 billion from regulated online betting in 2025, underscoring how the new fiscal model is reshaping government revenues.