Latin America Commentary & Analysis

Americas economies in depth: Five years into the USMCA, US trade shifts closer to home

By the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

With the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) marking its five-year anniversary, has the agreement made US trade more secure? This infographic breaks down how US trade patterns have evolved under the agreement—highlighting where progress has been made, which sectors are driving change, and what’s at stake ahead of the 2026 scheduled review.

What should Trump do next on trade? Optimize existing US trade agreements in Central and South America.

By Enrique Millán-Mejía

The best way to foster sustainable growth for US exports to the region is to seek predictable rules of engagement with Western Hemisphere trading partners.

Americas economies in depth: LAC’s economic outlook in mid-2025

By the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

This infographic asks the question: Where do Latin American and Caribbean economies stand halfway through 2025? As global trade tensions rise and economic uncertainty deepens, the region faces a shifting landscape—but also new opportunities.

Four questions (and expert answers) about the China-Latin America summit

By Atlantic Council experts

At the summit, China offered billions of dollars’ worth of credit and Colombia entered into the Belt and Road Initiative.

The new pope is American. He is also Peruvian. Why does it matter?

By Martin Cassinelli

Pope Leo XIV’s unique combination of identities could help him reframe US–Latin American relations in more humane and values-driven terms.

Americas economies in-depth: Latin America and the Caribbean outperforms in imports of US goods

By the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

This infographic highlights LAC’s unique role as a high-value market for US products. With strong trade ties and deep supply-chain integration, the region could help the United States advance its economic goals.

What’s next for Trinidad and Tobago’s new prime minister?

By Wazim Mowla and Dale Ramlakhan

On April 28, Kamla Persad-Bissessar was elected as the next prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago. While she is returning to the role, she’ll find a country that is different from her first term.

Could Trump’s focus on ‘economic security’ be a boon for the Dominican Republic?

By Enrique Millán-Mejía

The United States is looking to work with partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to create reliable supply-chain environments for critical industries.

What Noboa’s reelection means for US-Ecuador ties

By Isabel Chiriboga

Ecuador desperately needs international cooperation with partners such as the United States to curb the country’s crime wave and spur economic growth.

Want to understand the US-China trade war? Start with soybeans and batteries.

As Washington and Beijing hit each other with new tariffs, two goods—soybeans and lithium-ion storage batteries—offer a window into the larger trade war.