Latin America News
LAST UPDATE: September 13, 2025
China Gives Mexico Stiff Warning Over Tariffs Seen Appeasing US
China has warned Mexico against imposing tariffs that could be perceived as aligning with U.S. trade goals, suggesting such moves are being seen as appeasement.
Insight
There is a tension in Mexico’s trade policy between protecting domestic industries and maintaining diplomatic balance; this creates risk of friction with both China and the U.S.
Sheinbaum Aims to Calm China Tensions After Tariff Backlash
President Claudia Sheinbaum defended her proposal of up to 50% tariffs on certain goods from China, asserting the measure is not meant to provoke conflict but to protect national industry.
Insight
The government is walking a tightrope: needing protection for local producers while avoiding a diplomatic or economic backlash; maintaining credibility with trade partners is crucial.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years after landmark coup plot conviction
Former President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months for plotting a coup to stay in power after losing the 2022 election—marking the first time a former Brazilian president has been convicted of attacking democracy.
Insight
This verdict is a historic moment in Brazilian democracy but risks deepening political polarization; how it is enforced and reacted to will affect Brazil’s institutional stability.
Trump says he was surprised about Bolsonaro’s conviction in Brazil
Donald Trump expressed surprise at Bolsonaro’s conviction, drawing parallels to legal actions taken against himself and suggesting that similar patterns of political prosecutions exist.
Insight
The reaction attempts to frame the conviction within broader narratives of political persecution, potentially shaping how international observers and domestic audiences interpret judicial accountability.
Rubio vows US response following conviction of Brazil’s Bolsonaro
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Bolsonaro’s conviction a “witch hunt” and pledged a U.S. response, though he did not specify what that would be. Brazil’s Foreign Ministry called the remarks a threat to its judiciary and asserted its democracy would not be intimidated.
Insight
The U.S. signaling possible actions adds diplomatic pressure and raises stakes for Brazil-U.S. relations; responses could range from sanctions to public criticism, influencing regional politics.
Brazil says not intimidated by US ‘threats’ after Bolsonaro conviction
Brazil’s government rejected perceived U.S. threats following Bolsonaro’s conviction and insisted that its judicial system is independent and that its democracy remains strong.
Insight
This response underscores Brazil’s emphasis on sovereignty and judicial legitimacy; it also signals that external criticism may strengthen domestic resolve rather than prompt policy change.
Peru Cuts Key Interest Rate to Three-Year Low of 4.25%
Peru’s central bank cut its benchmark interest rate from 4.50% to 4.25%, citing falling inflation (around 1.11%) and projections bringing inflation toward the midpoint of its target range by year-end.
Insight
With inflation already well below target, the rate cut reflects confidence in price stability; it also signals a shift toward more accommodative monetary policy to support growth.
Sheinbaum Aims to Calm China Tensions After Tariff Backlash
President Claudia Sheinbaum defended planned tariffs (up to ~50%) on imports from China, arguing the measures aim to protect Mexican industry rather than provoke conflict. She clarified that the tariffs are not meant to appease the US, and that dialogues are ongoing with affected nations.
Insight
The move underscores a balancing act: protecting domestic industries while attempting not to rupture trade relations. Mexico is seeking to assert its industrial policy and economic sovereignty amid external pressures.
