Latin America News
LAST UPDATE: October 18, 2025
Argentina logs ninth fiscal surplus in September
Argentina posted a primary fiscal surplus for the ninth straight month in September, signaling continued fiscal discipline.
Insight
The consistency in surpluses bolsters the government’s credibility, but pressure from debt servicing and economic headwinds remains high.
Banks in talks with US Treasury to lend $20 billion to Argentina, Semafor reports
Major U.S. banks are negotiating with the U.S. Treasury to arrange up to $20 b in loans to Argentina, complementing a $20 b currency swap line.
Insight
The move underscores deep U.S. involvement in Argentina’s financial stabilization and raises questions about sovereign risk and conditionality.
US, Brazil say they aim for Trump-Lula meeting as soon as possible
The U.S. and Brazil expressed eagerness to arrange a meeting between Trump and Lula at the earliest opportunity to deepen bilateral ties.
Insight
A high-level meeting could signal a reset in U.S.–Brazil relations and possibly hasten resolution of trade and diplomatic issues.
Brazil eyes financial guarantees, tax breaks for strategic minerals
Brazil is considering offering financial guarantees and tax incentives to support development of its strategic minerals sector.
Insight
The incentives may attract foreign investment in critical minerals, aligning with global supply chain priorities.
Paraguay Bets on Brazil to Help Weather US-China Trade Spat
Paraguay is counting on its close trade ties with Brazil to cushion the impact of U.S.–China trade tensions.
Insight
Paraguay’s reliance on Brazil may expose it to spillover risks but also gives it a potential buffer against global trade shocks.
A Post-Socialist Bolivia Will Face Major Economic Test After Runoff Vote
Bolivia’s upcoming runoff vote places its economic model under scrutiny, as political uncertainty may affect investor confidence.
Insight
The election outcome could be pivotal in whether Bolivia pursues liberalization or stays on a more state-oriented path.
Caracas records 8.7 pct growth but Venezuelans lament economic woes
Venezuela’s economy grew by 8.7 % in Q3, largely driven by oil activity, but residents report no relief in everyday hardships.
Insight
High headline growth masks deep structural distress—persistent inflation and low real incomes continue to weigh on public sentiment.
Venezuela’s Maduro Condemns Trump’s CIA Order as ‘Desperate’
President Nicolás Maduro called Trump’s order authorizing CIA operations in Venezuela “desperate,” pledging to resist foreign intervention.
Insight
The escalation in rhetoric signals deepening confrontation and raises the stakes for any covert or overt U.S. actions in the region.
Venezuela asks UN Security Council to say US strikes illegal
Venezuela has formally requested the U.N. Security Council to declare recent U.S. naval strikes illegal and affirm Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Insight
The move seeks international legitimacy and counters U.S. narrative—yet meaningful action is blocked by U.S. veto power.
In a first, US strike in Caribbean leaves survivors, US official says
A U.S. military strike on a vessel in the Caribbean reportedly left survivors—the first known case in these operations.
Insight
Survivor accounts may complicate U.S. legal and humanitarian defenses, potentially intensifying scrutiny of its maritime actions.
