Economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin America is a key market for US goods and investment. The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center works to deepen commercial ties, increase investment, and support economic security by highlighting the importance of the region’s economies in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Stay Updated

Economic Pulse of the Americas

The Economic Pulse of the Americas is a series that offers sharp, data-driven insights into the region’s evolving economic economic trends, challenges, and policy responses, spotlighting key developments across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Read the latest
Economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Report Sep 29, 2025

Partnering for economic security: A comprehensive strategy for greater United States–Dominican Republic integration

As global supply chains shift and geopolitical competition intensifies, the United States and the Dominican Republic have a timely and strategic opportunity to deepen their partnership across economic, security, and institutional dimensions. This report outlines six key pillars where coordinated engagement can enhance resilience, unlock new avenues for growth, and strengthen regional stability.

Read More
Economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Issue Brief Nov 19, 2025

Why modernizing CAFTA-DR matters for the United States, and options for updating the trade pact

By Enrique Millán-Mejía, Antonio Ortiz Mena, and Rocío Rivera Barradas

Central America and the Dominican Republic are emerging as key partners for US economic security. The United States has a unique opportunity to reform its free trade agreement with the region—CAFTA-DR—to strengthen these ties.
Americas Economy & Business
Economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Issue Brief Jun 9, 2025

Why Congress must reauthorize the US Development Finance Corporation

By Enrique Millán-Mejía, Martin Cassinelli

Congress has an opportunity to give the United States tools to create jobs at home and strengthen ties overseas. Updating the Development Finance Corporation and reauthorizing it before the October deadline are the first steps.
Americas Economy & Business

Content

Issue Brief

Jun 24, 2026

Harmonizing USMCA: Enhancing  customs to facilitate US-Mexico competitiveness  

By the Binational Task Force on Economic Security and Competitiveness

With the 2026 USMCA review underway, negotiating authorities should focus on strengthening the mechanisms that promote trade facilitation: customs.

Economy & Business Latin America

Issue Brief

Jun 1, 2026

US-Caribbean maritime cooperation: Why stronger ports, supply chains, and security matter now

By Maite Latorre Yerou, Patricia R. Francis

The Caribbean is not a peripheral region but a core component of the United States' economic and security environment. Its ports support US trade, its routes shape regional stability, and its infrastructure is now central to geopolitical competition.

Caribbean Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Apr 20, 2026

Using the USMCA review to strengthen regional integration

By the Binational Task Force on Economic Security and Competitiveness

As economic and trade authorities across Mexico and the United States engage in the July 2026 USMCA review, adapting to new geopolitical realities without reversing binational economic integration should be a priority.

Americas Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Feb 27, 2026

One month in, can Honduras’ new president put the country on the path to lasting economic gains?

By María Fernanda Bozmoski, Isabella Palacios

President Nasry Asfura’s early reforms have signaled a focus on fiscal austerity and competitiveness, sending positive messages to investors and to President Donald Trump, who backed him during the campaign. Sustaining this momentum will require significant structural reforms.

Americas Central America

Trackers and Data Visualizations

Jan 7, 2026

US-Brazil trade dashboard

By the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Amid the United States' high-stakes trade offensive against Brazil, this tracker monitors how tariffs are reshaping the trajectory of US-Brazil commerce.

Americas Brazil