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Latin America shifts: New trade deals and political changes shake up the region

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Major changes are happening in Latin Americaʼs trade landscape with fresh EU deal progress and new leadership in Uruguay. Meanwhile Mexico faces pressure from north while regional cooperation gets stronger

In late-November Yamandú Orsi won Uruguays presidential run-off bringing fresh energy to the regions trade bloc: his victory marks a shift from center-right to center-left leadership in the small but influential nation

The Mercosur trade group — facing years of slow progress — got a boost this month when European Commission head arrived in Montevideo (right after French government fell apart) to push forward a long-awaited EU deal. Panama joined as associate member; while Singapore and Japan show interest in new partnerships

  • El Salvador looking to join
  • Dominican Republic considering membership
  • EU deal getting final approvals
  • Japan talks starting soon

In a ground-breaking move Barbados worked out a deal with international banks that lets them spend money on water systems instead of debt payments. The small island nation dont have to pay interest anymore: this helps them save about $125 million

Brazilian soccer saw big changes when John Textorʼs Botafogo team — with its new foreign-backed structure — won their first-ever continental trophy in early-December. The win shows how new investment rules are changing South American sports landscape

Meanwhile Claudia Sheinbaum Mexicoʼs president had her first test dealing with Donald Trump who threatened 25% tariffs on Mexican goods. She responded with a mix of firm-but-friendly approach: writing him a letter and having a phone chat where they both claimed different versions of what was said. Mexican authorities showed theyʼre serious about border control — stopping over 5000 migrants in just one day

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