Panama
Spanish-led right-wing alliance plots Latin American electoral sweep
A coalition of conservative and far-right parties from Spain and Latin America has declared its intention to secure victory in seven general elections across the region scheduled for this year and 2026.
_1750091872.jpg){kind=spacer}
Latin America splits over Iran-Israel conflict
The escalating Iran-Israel conflict has exposed deep fractures across Latin America, with governments from Buenos Aires to Caracas staking out opposing positions that lay bare deep-rooted political divisions.
Panama moves closer to EU blacklist removal
The European Commission’s June 2025 update to its high-risk country list is a key moment for Panama, which has spent nearly a decade working to repair its reputation and address regulatory shortcomings.
US troops deploy to Panama for canal exercises amid sovereignty protests
US military personnel have commenced joint training exercises in Panama following a controversial bilateral agreement that has sparked widespread public opposition in the Central American nation.
Cocaine barons switch to trafficking via Turkey after heavy seizures on direct-to-Europe route
Extent of new smuggling indicated by seizure of seven vessels owned by Turks carrying drugs worth $10bn.
_1748437916.jpg)
Latin America faces investment drought as fiscal space shrinks, ECLAC says
ECLAC report highlights the region's struggle with low public investment amid mounting debt pressures.
_Cropped.jpg){kind=spacer}
Panama tightens ship registry rules to combat Russian sanctions-evading fleet
Panama has moved to impose stricter rules on ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfers in response to growing international scrutiny over its role in facilitating sanctions evasion.
COMMENT: China and Latin America forge ‘shared future’ as US wields coercive diplomacy
China hosted Latin American leaders at the China-CELAC Forum, pledging $9.2bn and deeper ties. As US influence fades, Beijing’s “shared future” vision gains ground, fueling a shift in global alliances and challenging Washington’s dominance.
_1747667697.jpg)
Latin American EV market accelerates threefold in 2024
The number of light electric vehicles in Latin America and the Caribbean saw a dramatic surge last year, tripling in size from 154,966 registered units at the end of 2023 to 444,071 vehicles by December 2024, according to data from Olade.
CK Hutchison stresses legal compliance in Panama port sale amid US-China tensions
Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison has reiterated that its planned sale of major global port assets, including key terminals at the Panama Canal, will move forward only under strict legal and regulatory compliance.
China woos Latin America with $9bn credit line amid Trump trade tensions
China has offered Latin American and Caribbean countries a CNY66bn ($9.2bn) credit line as part of a comprehensive economic and political cooperation package presented during the CELAC-China summit in Beijing.
ECLAC cuts Latin America growth forecast amid global uncertainties
The UN's Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has downgraded its 2025 growth forecast to 2%, adding to a chorus of international institutions painting a bleak outlook for the region.
Panama’s Mulino rules out mining law in bid to restart First Quantum project
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has signalled a shift in strategy for the future of the country’s largest copper operation, the Cobre Panamá mine, while rejecting any path that would require legislative approval for a new mining contract.
LatAm set to be world's slowest-growing region as World Bank slashes forecasts
Economic expansion for region projected to be slowest globally as external pressures mount
Latin American leaders blast US tariffs at CELAC summit as China offers economic lifeline
Latin American leaders gathered in Honduras on April 9 to condemn United States trade measures during the ninth summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
_1744299378.jpg)
US-China rivalry deepens over Panama Canal as Washington pushes new security pact
The Panama Canal is once again at the centre of geopolitical tension, as the United States increases pressure to counter China’s influence in the region.
_1744121518.jpg)
Why investors are turning their gaze to Latin America after Trump tariffs
Trump's trade war unexpectedly boosts Latin America, with investors spotting fresh opportunities in a reshuffled global economic landscape.
_1744044513.jpg)
US defence chief's Panama visit heightens pressure over Chinese canal influence
The Panama Canal has once again become the focus of geopolitical friction, as the US escalates diplomatic and strategic pressure on Panama over what it claims is growing Chinese influence around the critical waterway.
Latin America to miss more than three-quarters of 2030 sustainability targets, ECLAC says
The region's progress on UN goals is hampered by weak institutions and debt burden, warns UN commission in a new report.
Latin America escapes full wrath of Trump's tariffs, as few nations bear brunt
Most regional economies hit with baseline 10% rate while Venezuela, Nicaragua and Guyana face steeper levies.