Latin America

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.

Cradle of violence: How criminal networks are winning Ecuador’s youth and threatening Latin America’s future

By Erin K. McFee

As Ecuadorians vote for their next president on April 13, time is running out for a holistic approach to security that balances suppression with structural transformation.

Peru’s crime wave: A populist opening or a chance for reform?

By Martin Cassinelli

Solving Peru’s security crisis will require institutional reforms that combat political corruption and address the root causes of crime.

Americas economies in-depth: The US-Mexico trade balance in context

By the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Trade balances have become a hot topic in Washington in recent months, and the Trump administration has made clear its objective to rebalance US trade to limit imports and boost domestic production. But are all trade deficits equal?

An ‘America first’ approach to Venezuela is taking shape

By Geoff Ramsey

US tariff threats against countries importing Venezuelan oil seem geared toward extracting concessions from strongman leader Nicolás Maduro.

Trade with Colombia is big business for US exporters—amid growing Chinese influence in Latin America

By Geoff Ramsey, Enrique Millán-Mejía

The United States maintains a trade surplus with Colombia, which is also the top destination for US agricultural exports in South America. However, growing Chinese influence and political tensions threaten the bilateral relationship. To protect mutual economic interests, the United States can leverage diplomatic channels and private sector engagement.

Dispatch from Hong Kong: The Panama Canal port sale has put Chinese authorities in a bind

By Josh Lipsky

Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings’ decision to sell its Panama Canal ports to BlackRock stunned officials in Hong Kong and Beijing.

The US needs to build a new Caribbean policy. Rubio’s trip to the region can be the first step.

By Wazim Mowla

US engagement with the Caribbean should prioritize energy investments and efforts to reduce violent crime in the region.