AGP Executive Report

US Tariffs vs. Brazil: The U.S. plans 25% duties on many Brazilian imports after a Section 301 probe, citing issues from Pix e-payments to IP and deforestation; Brazil’s Lula says the country won’t “sit around complaining” and will seek new partners. Brazil Economy Watch: IBGE data show industrial production rose 0.7% in April and is up 4.4% year-to-date vs. the period, with gains led by extractives and petroleum/biofuels while chemicals fell. Trade Politics Escalate: Lula also accused Bolsonaro family figures of lobbying Washington, as the tariff threat and U.S. moves against gangs PCC and CV add pressure to Brazil’s business climate. Food & Commodities: China’s beef traders begin buying Brazil “Beef on Track” certified, deforestation-free beef; meanwhile coffee prices dip as forecasts point to a record Brazil crop. Venezuela Energy Moves: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez starts a five-day India visit focused on deeper oil ties, while Venezuela orders airlines and shipping firms to route fuel payments to a U.S. Treasury account. Colombia Election Backing: Trump endorsed presidential runoff front-runner Abelardo de la Espriella, signaling tighter U.S.-Colombia alignment if the conservative wins.

Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. proposes new forced-labor import duties, including 12.5% extra tariffs on 54 countries such as India, Brazil and China, after a USTR probe says partners failed to enforce bans. Energy & Diplomacy: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez will visit India June 3–7 for talks with PM Modi spanning energy, trade, investment and renewables. Telecom & Infrastructure: Arelion expands its conflict-free channel program in Mexico to serve wholesale and enterprise customers with connectivity and DDoS mitigation. Logistics & Ports (Brazil): Macquarie and IG4 agree to sell controlling stake in Brazil’s CLI agri-bulk port terminal operator to AD Ports for $835m, aiming to build new Brazil–UAE trade routes. Tourism (Mexico/Caribbean): Baja California launches a new, sustainability-led tourism strategy; Aruba reports stay-over arrivals up 9.6% through April. Politics & Culture (Colombia): Colombia’s yellow national soccer jersey is being used in the presidential campaign, fueling a dispute over whether it’s being politicized. Security & Crime (Mexico/US): U.S. authorities say a hidden US–Mexico tunnel was used to move over $45m in cocaine, leading to four arrests. Labor (Colombia): Ecopetrol’s largest union starts a 24-hour strike over labor negotiations.

U.S.-Brazil Trade Clash: The U.S. Trade Representative proposes a 25% tariff on Brazilian imports under a Section 301 probe, with comments due July 1 and a July 6 hearing as talks continue toward a July 15 deadline. Criminal Compliance Shock: The U.S. designates Brazil’s PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist groups, raising new legal and asset-blocking risks for any firms doing business with them. Argentina Trade Push: Argentina moves to formally join the CPTPP, aiming to open new markets for its private sector. Peru Security Costs: Ahead of Peru’s presidential runoff, extortion and killings are surging, hitting small businesses and shaping voter fears. Venezuela Telecom & Conservation: CANTV restores fixed services to over 1,000 subscribers in Guárico, while Venezuela participates in protected-areas talks in China tied to the 30x30 goal. Caribbean Finance & Tourism: The Caribbean Development Bank meeting in The Bahamas spotlights resilience and debt, while the Dominican Republic ramps up tourism visibility at UNESCO and competes in Wave Awards.

Trade Tensions: The Trump administration proposed a 25% punitive tariff on many Brazilian imports under Section 301, targeting areas like digital trade, electronic payments, preferential tariffs, IP protection, ethanol access, and illegal deforestation—while carving out some goods including beef, coffee, rare earths/other metals, and aircraft parts. AI Funding: Alphabet plans to raise up to $80bn via equity sales to fund AI compute infrastructure, including a $10bn sale to Berkshire Hathaway—another sign of the capex-heavy AI race. Colombia Politics: Far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella won Colombia’s first round and will face Senator Iván Cepeda in a June 21 runoff, setting up a high-stakes choice over security and social policy. Brazil Economy/Industry: Brazil’s auto market shows resilience with Mexico and Brazil diverging in April sales trends, while broader compliance pressure is rising for foreign firms, with Mexico and Brazil flagged as especially complex jurisdictions. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports NFC-based Android attacks surged 188% in early 2026, with Latin America among affected regions. Health & Business: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics expand Alzheimer’s amyloid blood testing access across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Colombia Runoff Politics: Abelardo de la Espriella (“El Tigre”) surged to first place in Sunday’s vote with 43.74%, setting up a June 21 runoff against leftist Sen. Iván Cepeda (40.90%), as both sides trade accusations over security, the peace process, and alleged irregularities. Mexico–U.S. Tensions: President Claudia Sheinbaum escalated rhetoric, saying far-right U.S. sectors are coordinating with domestic groups to attack her government, amid strained ties over tariffs, immigration, and U.S. indictments of Mexican officials. Caribbean Development Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank will host top multilateral development bank leaders in Nassau (June 1–5) to debate how to adapt development finance amid uncertainty and rising debt. Venezuela Oil Update: Venezuela’s oil exports rose to 1.25 million bpd in May, with more cargoes going to the U.S., India, and Europe as sanctions eased. Aviation & Connectivity: South Africa’s World Cup trip to Mexico proceeded without assistant coach Helman Mkhalele due to visa delays, while a LATAM Boeing 787 was grounded on Easter Island after an airport vehicle tore off a passenger door. Mining & Industry Deals: Evonik partnered with Mexico’s University of Guanajuato mining school on biosurfactants for lower-toxicity mining chemicals; Tega Industries completed its $1.5bn acquisition of Molycop.

Colombia Election: Abelardo de la Espriella and Iván Cepeda will face off in a June 21 presidential runoff after the first round left no clear winner; the race is deeply polarized, with De la Espriella leading on a hard-right “strongman” platform and Cepeda pushing a leftist agenda. Political Tensions: President Gustavo Petro rejected the preliminary vote count, alleging software changes and added identity cards, setting up a high-stakes legitimacy fight ahead of the runoff. Trade & Tariffs: Ecuador will eliminate the 100% tariff on Colombian goods starting June 1, ending a border-security trade dispute after talks with the election’s right-wing front-runner. Logistics Watch: Air cargo demand is stabilizing after mid-May recovery, but rates remain elevated as shipping disruptions and stockpiling keep lead times stretched. Health Alert: Brazil is investigating suspected Ebola cases in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro after travelers returned from the DRC and Uganda. Business Expansion: Everbridge opened a Munich office to expand resilience and emergency communications support across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Energy/Industry: USA Rare Earth plans to expand rare-earth magnet and alloy making in France, targeting 300+ new jobs and up to €175m investment through 2030.

Colombia Election Watch: Polls opened Sunday as Ivan Cepeda, Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia battle for the 2026 presidency, with a runoff likely next month and big stakes for security, social reforms and fiscal policy. Pensions Pressure: A key campaign fault line is whether to raise Colombia’s retirement age after the 2024 pension overhaul left the current thresholds (57 women, 62 men) unchanged. Aviation & Trade Risk: US airline, travel and business groups warned that any move to halt international processing at major US airports like Newark could trigger chaos for travelers, cargo and supply chains. Ebola Monitoring: Brazil is investigating two suspected Ebola cases in São Paulo and Rio, while WHO reported five recoveries in the DRC outbreak. Pharma Update: Pfizer said its BRAFTOVI regimen nearly doubles median progression-free survival in metastatic colorectal cancer with a BRAF V600E mutation. Latin America Markets: Multiple investors added to MercadoLibre despite the stock’s 35% drop over the past year, underscoring continued faith in the region’s e-commerce-fintech engine. Energy & Environment: A cross-border investigation links coal extracted from Colombia’s Yukpa lands to power-plant pollution in Chile, raising fresh pressure on corporate and state accountability.

Colombia Election Watch: With Sunday’s presidential vote looming, Colombia is mobilizing the biggest international election observation mission in its history—15,000 total monitors including 1,500 international delegates—while polls point to a tight race between leftist Iván Cepeda and right-leaning Abelardo de la Espriella, with Paloma Valencia also in the mix. Campaign Shock: Hours before the vote, Botero’s candidacy was hit by a domestic-violence allegation from his wife, triggering protection measures. Venezuela-Linked Oil Tech: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez inaugurated a PDVSA data and automation hub to consolidate sovereign oil and gas information and expand AI-backed predictive maintenance. Guyana Finance Push: Citi received Guyana’s approval to open a representative office in Georgetown, aiming to deepen support for infrastructure and export financing. Caribbean Energy Windfall: Guyana is positioned to benefit from shifting global oil flows tied to the Iran-U.S. conflict, as output ramps up under Exxon’s consortium. Mexico Security & Rights: A CSW report warns religious freedom is under pressure from gangs and local customs, ahead of the World Cup. Tourism & Environment: Royal Caribbean scrapped a planned Mexico water park after environmental permits were denied, a blow to a $1.5B project. Argentina Investor Move: Peter Thiel bought a $12M Buenos Aires mansion and reportedly relocated temporarily, citing tax and broader risk concerns.

USMCA Auto Fight: The U.S. is pushing new rules in Mexico City talks that would require North American-built vehicles to meet 82% regional content, with at least 50% made in the U.S., and no Canada-based counting—raising stakes for Mexico’s auto supply chain and future tariff treatment. Mexico Electoral Overhaul: Mexico’s lower house approved a constitutional amendment to annul elections over foreign interference, defining it broadly as illicit financing, propaganda, disinformation, digital manipulation, and foreign government pressure; it now heads to the Senate. Brazil Narco-Terror Fallout: Brazil is reacting politically to the U.S. move to label the PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations, with critics warning it could spill into sovereignty and domestic politics. Colombia Election Pressure Point: With healthcare at the center of Sunday’s vote, Colombia’s health system crisis is driving voter anxiety amid insecurity and fiscal strain. Caribbean Finance Deal: CIBC agreed to sell its Caribbean business for about $1.6B, while Butterfield Bank moves to buy CIBC Caribbean in a major regional banking consolidation. Energy & Industry: Lointek delivered a 50 MW/300 MWh liquid air storage project in the UK, and Stellantis confirmed a Jeep SUV platform deal with Tata for global exports from India. Coffee Education: Colombia’s Huila will launch a University School of Coffee, starting with 120 in-person openings next semester.

Brazil Jobs & Growth: Brazil added 85,888 formal jobs in April, down sharply from March and last year, while GDP grew 1.1% in Q1 2026 (1.8% year-on-year), led by consumption and investment. Labor Market: Services, construction and industry drove hiring, but agriculture and commerce shed jobs; formal contracts rose to 47.81M workers. Colombia Election Under Strain: Colombia heads to the polls Sunday with 246,000 security personnel on alert amid polarization and fiscal pressure; the IACHR warned about political violence. Security Tech Upgrade: Colombia’s army is deploying explosive-drone systems to counter guerrilla attacks ahead of the vote. Caribbean Banking Deal: Butterfield will buy a majority stake in CIBC Caribbean in a landmark US$1.8B transaction, with operations expected to continue until closing. U.S.-Brazil Crime Clash: Brazil rejected the U.S. move to label major drug gangs as terrorist groups, warning it could harm sovereignty and cross-border police cooperation. Mexico World Cup Economy: Mexico’s host cities could generate $2.57B in under a month, with mobility and tourism logistics central to the payoff. Mexico Election Law: Mexico’s senate passed an amendment allowing election annulments over “foreign interference,” drawing sharp criticism over how broadly it’s defined. Argentina Investor Spotlight: Tech billionaire Peter Thiel’s reported Argentina ties are fueling debate about U.S. business climate and elite migration.

Rare Earth Race: Australia’s Viridis Mining says it will exclude Chinese buyers from its Brazil rare-earth project, targeting Europe and North America instead—an explicit bid to reshape critical-minerals supply chains. Argentina Justice: Argentina’s courts effectively clear the way to execute the Vialidad case asset confiscations, rejecting Cristina Kirchner, her children and Lázaro Báez’s appeals over 111 assets. Regional Security Pact: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru signed the Santiago Regional Compact to coordinate against transnational organized crime, aiming to expand it via the OAS. Infrastructure & Trade: Paraguay and Brazil report the Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor is in its final stretch, with the Bioceanic Bridge link nearly complete to cut export transit times toward Asia. Tourism Momentum: New WTTC data shows Central & South America’s travel-and-tourism growth will outpace the global average in 2026, while Mexico leads North America on 2025 visitor spending and arrivals. Finance & Compliance: Coinbase expands its TRUST network with TRUSThub and adds BNY, pushing Travel Rule interoperability for crypto compliance across jurisdictions. Brazil Crime Trend: Brazil’s Violence Atlas data highlights the lowest homicide rate in the historical series, as Lula points to anti-faction and anti-organized-crime efforts. Mexico Politics: Mexico’s lower house approved a constitutional amendment to nullify elections over foreign interference, pending Senate approval.

Aviation & Trade: IATA says global air cargo demand rose 4% in April, led by Asia-linked flows, but Gulf disruptions tied to the West Asia war are still squeezing capacity. Brazil Investment: Supermax Brasil will build a medical glove plant in Paraná with about R$250m (US$50m) backing, aiming to deepen Mercosur reach. Tourism Boost: Brazil’s central bank reports foreign tourist spending hit BRL 20.2bn in the first four months (+9.2%), with new China Eastern route talks underway. Caribbean Finance Deal: Butterfield agreed to buy CIBC Caribbean Bank’s 91.7% stake in a US$1.8bn move, expanding wealth and cross-border payments. Venezuela Connectivity: JetBlue plans its first-ever Venezuela flights, Fort Lauderdale–Caracas, pending approvals. Mexico-US Consular Tension: A U.S. review of Mexican consulates in the U.S. raises fears vital services could be cut. Colombia Security & Politics: A Reuters profile spotlights presidential contender Abelardo De La Espriella’s hardline crime and armed-group crackdown pitch ahead of the vote. Nicaragua Mining Reversal: Nicaragua says it will return BHMB Mining to original owners after a 2025 confiscation, citing efforts to avoid new sanctions. World Cup Economy & IP: FIFA World Cup counterfeit merchandise is surging on global marketplaces ahead of kickoff.

Canada–Colombia Contract Clash: Canada’s Crown agency is weighing legal action after Colombia’s defense ministry terminated a massive government-to-government deal for a new headquarters. Trade Talks Pressure: Canada’s trade minister heads to Washington as CUSMA’s first joint review nears, with U.S. tariff disruptions casting doubt over the pact that shields $1.3T in annual trade. Venezuela U.S. Scrutiny Eases: AP reports the Trump administration told Miami prosecutors to stand down on criminal probes into acting President Delcy Rodríguez, signaling warmer ties. Colombia Election Security: Colombia’s largest rebel factions have announced separate unilateral ceasefires ahead of the May 31 vote, aiming to reduce intimidation and violence. Brazil Labor Policy: Brazil’s lower house approved a constitutional amendment to end the six-day workweek and set a 40-hour, five-day schedule, a win for labor groups but a headache for business. Energy & Climate: Lula is set to restart Amazon oil drilling after a decade-long pause, while Colombia pushes a fossil-fuel transition roadmap. Fintech Payments: Alipay+ partners with PVS to enable cross-border QR payments in Chile and Argentina, expanding to more Latin American markets.

Leadership Change: LucasE3 named Jeff Roskam CEO, bringing decades of ethanol, CO2 and regenerative agriculture experience as the firm pushes its next growth phase across U.S. and Brazil operations. Aviation & Retail: Lagardère Travel Retail opened a “last minute” duty-free outlet at Lima’s Jorge Chávez airport, expanding its Peru footprint alongside the new terminal’s broader retail and dining buildout. Human Rights & Migration: Human Rights Watch says Cuba-to-Mexico deportations have surged, with 26% of deportees having no criminal case at all, raising alarms about an opaque U.S.-Mexico transfer deal. Food & Trade Policy: A row erupted in Ireland’s Seanad over claims Brazilian beef may be entering school meals, as the EU tightens rules on Brazilian imports. Agri-Food Supply Chain: The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council ran a Mexico roadshow on grain storage practices to cut spoilage and protect feed quality. Circular Economy: APR and ANIPAC signed an agreement to boost plastics recyclability and circular-economy standards in Mexico. Digital Payments: Capa integrated BRL1 (real-backed stablecoin) into its Polygon-based cross-border payments stack, aiming to move Brazilian real liquidity without routing through dollars. Business Closures: Guzman y Gomez shut all U.S. restaurants as it exits the American market after six years.

Bolivia Protests: President Rodrigo Paz is struggling to contain widening anti-austerity protests that are already disrupting major cities, with shortages reported as he pushes IMF-backed fiscal cuts. US–Cuba Migration Clash: Human Rights Watch says the US is expelling Cubans to Mexico without due process, leaving many without shelter or a clear path to legal status. Mexico Deportation Reality: A street-level look at Tapachula shows deported Cubans facing “no work” and limited regularization options, deepening humanitarian strain. Oil & Trade Shock: Markets are still reacting to Hormuz disruption and falling inventories, while the US and allies weigh how to manage the broader energy hit. Colombia Power Build-Out: Colombia awarded 1,546.9 MW of solar capacity in a firm energy auction for 2029–2030, signaling continued renewables momentum. Crypto Payments Expansion: Reap won Visa Principal Issuer membership in Mexico, aiming to scale stablecoin-native card issuing across the Americas. Caribbean–Africa Push: Grenada’s PM called for deeper Africa-Caribbean trade and cultural ties, turning diaspora links into policy and investment.

Caribbean Energy Push: Guyana confirmed it will host Caribbean Energy Week 2027, positioning the region as an “energy corridor” with cross-border oil, gas and LNG investment—coming as ExxonMobil-led Stabroek output nears 1 million bpd. Nearshore Hiring: Hire With Near was named a G2 Leader for staffing and recruiting, highlighting fast, end-to-end Latin America hiring support. Avianca Reconnects Venezuela: Avianca will add a new daily Bogota–Maracaibo nonstop from Aug. 28, adding about 2,500 weekly seats and expanding access via its Bogota hub. Brazil Politics Under Strain: Flávio Bolsonaro heads to Washington to meet Trump amid fresh audio-linked finance scandal pressure ahead of Brazil’s October election. Investor Pressure on Mexico Mining: Communities and investors are again calling out Grupo México/Southern Copper over lack of remediation tied to the 2014 Sonora toxic spill. Stablecoins Keep Surging: Stablecoin market value now tops the reserves of 95 countries—another sign of dollar-like digital liquidity spreading fast.