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.

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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.

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Economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Report Jul 22, 2026

Mapping US investment in Latin America and the Caribbean

China’s investments in Latin America and the Caribbean grab headlines, but though the US has long been the region’s largest investor less is known about where its investments go. New data shows which countries and sectors receive the most US investment, and how that investment affects local economies.

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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

By the DR-US Economic Strategy Advisory Group

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.
Americas Caribbean
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

Content

Issue Brief

Aug 20, 2026

A Colombia-Venezuela agenda for recovery, security, and economic growth

By the US-Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

The recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia have created urgent humanitarian needs that will require sustained international support. As recovery advances, the US-Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition outlines how both countries, with US support, can build a cooperation agenda.

Colombia Economy & Business

Report

Aug 11, 2026

Mapeo de la inversión estadounidense en América Latina y el Caribe

By Jose Antonio Gonzalez Anaya, Martin Cassinelli

Las inversiones de China en América Latina y el Caribe acaparan los titulares pero, aunque Estados Unidos ha sido durante mucho tiempo el mayor inversionista de la región, se sabe menos sobre hacia dónde van sus inversiones. Nuevos datos muestran qué países y sectores reciben la mayor inversión estadounidense, y cómo esa inversión afecta a las economías locales.

Economy & Business Latin America

Report

Jul 22, 2026

Mapping US investment in Latin America and the Caribbean

By Jose Antonio Gonzalez Anaya, Martin Cassinelli

China’s investments in Latin America and the Caribbean grab headlines, but though the US has long been the region’s largest investor less is known about where its investments go. New data shows which countries and sectors receive the most US investment, and how that investment affects local economies.

Economy & Business Latin America

Issue Brief

Jul 21, 2026

Colombia’s path to growth and opportunity through cooperation with the United States

By the US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

Abelardo de la Espriella will take office as Colombia's next president on August 7, inheriting a challenging fiscal deficit, elevated borrowing costs, and softening investor confidence. As his government works to restore growth, the Atlantic Council's US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition outlines how strengthened trade and investment with the United States can boost economic opportunity across agribusiness, energy, critical minerals, and tourism.

Americas Colombia

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