Argentina

Harold Hamm has launched a multibillion-dollar plan focused on drilling Argentine shale. This initiative involves the partnership of Mercuria and targets the South American nation’s oil resources.

Michael Cheika is set to return as head coach of the New South Wales Waratahs a dozen years after leading them to their Super Rugby title. After coaching Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup, Cheika expressed readiness for the role due to the special connection he feels with his home state and Australian rugby in lead-up to the Rugby World Cup. He previously guided Leinster to European Cup glory and coached Argentina to the semifinals of the 2023 World Cup.

Search teams from Venezuela, Argentina, and Israel reported apparent signs of life in two Colombian cities following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake, which killed at least 287 people. The disaster devastated over 100,000 people, destroying homes and facilities across more than 400 cities. President Abelardo de la Espriella announced a plan to partner with the private sector to help rebuild the nation.

Brazil downgraded diplomatic ties with Argentina to the chargé d’affaires level after Argentine President Javier Milei repeatedly insulted Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and criticized Brazil’s Supreme Court justices. The tensions began when Milei endorsed Lula’s political rival, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, and accused Brazil of orchestrating an 'anti-Argentine campaign.'

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira stated that diplomatic relations with Argentina will remain downgraded until President Javier Milei ceases insults against Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The downgrade was implemented after repeated attacks from Milei against Lula.

President Javier Milei announced a bill to overhaul the Central Bank of Argentina’s (BCRA) charter, making currency preservation its sole mission and banning state financing. The bill was sent to Congress following a 2026 national address.

Argentina's governing bloc withdrew the rural land chapter of the Inviolability of Private Property bill from the Senate agenda due to insufficient votes to pass it, hours before the scheduled session.

US beef exports are declining while imports are rising due to a shrinking cattle herd caused by drought and the New World screwworm. Ranchers oppose increased imports, arguing they harm profits, and the Trump administration's trade policies have led to higher imports from Argentina and Brazil, with JBS, a major Brazilian meatpacker, benefiting from the shift. Beef exports to China have also dropped significantly under Trump's tariff policies.

Brazil downgraded its diplomatic relations with Argentina to the chargé d'affaires level and indefinitely postponed the return of its ambassador in Buenos Aires due to remarks by Argentine President Javier Milei against Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Brazil downgraded diplomatic relations with Argentina to the level of chargé d’affaires on 4 August 2026, recalling Ambassador Julio Bitelli. The dispute followed President Javier Milei's third insult against President Lula, calling him a 'thief' since Sunday.

Chile’s Kast tax reform has passed Congress but faces a presidential veto and a Constitutional Court challenge. Argentina’s Monotributo deadline is today, Brazil’s Copom will decide interest rates this evening, and Colombia’s Cali handover occurs in two days.

A global crude sell-off caused Latin American oil equities to decline, with USO tracking WTI down 5.19%. Petrobras in Brazil, YPF in Argentina, and Ecope in Colombia fell as a result.

Bitcoin held above $64k as tighter Federal Reserve policy increased demand for haven assets. Stablecoin usage surged in Latin America, particularly in Argentina, for hedging purposes.

Brazil is reducing its diplomatic presence in Argentina following Argentine President Javier Milei's insults toward Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, including calling him 'a thief' three times. Brazil has recalled its ambassador to Buenos Aires, and the two leaders have a frosty relationship since Milei took office in 2023.

Brazil's government has reduced its diplomatic presence in Argentina following attacks by Argentine President Javier Milei on Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The move comes after Milei's renewed insults against Lula.

In August 2026, Argentinians can save up to 30% on fuel by combining discounts from station apps and bank rebates. Major chains like YPF, Shell, Axion, and Puma offer app-based weekday discounts, while banks such as Banco Nación and Macro provide rebates via MODO or their apps.

President Javier Milei stated that Argentina's alliance with the United States is essential for advancing its claim over the Falklands/Malvinas. He argued that the U.S. requires a reliable ally along the Atlantic-to-Pacific passage, a condition Argentina now fulfills.

In June 2026, Argentina's companies transferred approximately $1.023 billion in profits and dividends abroad, marking the largest monthly outflow since 2010. Key sectors contributing included energy, food, beverages and tobacco, mining, and financial firms.

A river pilots’ strike in Argentina, protesting Decree 690/2026, has stranded over 140 ships on the Paraná River since August 1–2, 2026. The decree, signed by President Javier Milei, deregulates the profession of river pilots.

Argentina's government has proposed a revised bill to increase the foreign ownership cap on rural land from 15% to 25%. La Libertad Avanza adjusted its original proposal to eliminate the limit entirely, settling on 25% to secure support from allies.

A pilots' strike in Argentina, protesting Decree 690/2026, has stranded over 140 vessels on the Paraná River, disrupting grain and fuel exports via the nation's primary foreign-trade route. The blockade halts critical shipments through this key waterway.

Argentina's state oil company YPF executed a 10-for-1 stock split as CEO Horacio Marín aims to attract retail investors and position YPF as a global top-20 producer.

Around 140 vessels were stranded at Argentine ports as maritime pilots halted accepting new assignments to protest a government decree deregulating their profession. Some reports indicate the number of affected vessels exceeds 150.

Chile's Kast tax 'megareforma' is set for a decisive Senate vote, though potential presidential vetoes and a Constitutional Court challenge remain. Argentina's Monotributo deadline is approaching, and Colombia's incoming cabinet is now complete ahead of the Cali event.

Bitcoin remained stable at $63,461 while Ethereum declined 1.29%. Latin America, particularly Argentina and Brazil, showed increased stablecoin demand amid a cautious approach to ETF frameworks.

Argentine President Javier Milei repeated accusations against Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, stating his corruption convictions were annulled due to procedural flaws. Brazil's ambassador to Buenos Aires was recalled for consultations and was preparing to return.

Argentina's 2026 winter holidays attracted 4.6 million tourists, a 5.9% increase from 2025, with travelers spending ARS 2.12 trillion (US$1.41 billion). Domestic travel accounted for 4.2 million trips, while international visitors made approximately 400,000 trips.

Luis Caputo, a top economic aide to President Javier Milei, has not issued any foreign bonds in nearly three years, contrasting with his previous role where he raised over $40 billion through foreign bond markets and was labeled a 'serial borrower.'

Argentine President Javier Milei has selected a vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 elections but has not disclosed the name. The announcement comes amid an open conflict with his current vice president, Victoria Villarruel.

Argentina's Monotributo tax brackets increased by 16.8% in August, aligning with first-half inflation. Taxpayers must recategorize by August 5, with the top annual billing cap set at 126.6 million pesos (~US$81,000) and the entry band for Category A at 12 million pesos (~US$8,060).

Peru is implementing stricter migration controls through biometric IDs, nationwide checks, and airport e-gates. Argentina faces a Monotributo deadline by Wednesday, and Cali prepares for a locked-down inauguration on August 7.

Argentina's Milei lifted the cepo in April 2025, causing the official and parallel USD exchange rate gap to drop below 4%. Card payments now align with the real rate, making transactions easier.

The US and Japanese governments coordinated to stabilize the yen after it plummeted, citing concerns over undervaluation and Japan's expansionary fiscal policy under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The intervention aimed to prevent wider economic destabilization and rising US bond yields, mirroring similar actions taken for Argentina’s peso last fall.

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has confirmed his reelection bid, facing pressure from foreign leaders supporting his rival, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro. Lula's campaign emphasizes defense industry growth, resource sovereignty, and tax reforms, while his party highlights concerns about foreign interference in Brazil's elections.

Crude oil became Argentina's top single export in the first half of 2026 with US$4.693 billion in value, surpassing corn and soybean meal which were the leading exports in the previous year.

Indigenous groups in Argentina protested in Buenos Aires against a bill that would allow foreign ownership of rural land. The bill, part of a plan to open the country to foreign buyers, has drawn opposition from Indigenous communities.

Chile's Kast tax 'megareforma' has advanced but remains pending final Senate approval, delayed to early August due to a single article. Cali prepares for a secured August 7 transition, and Argentina's Monotributo deadline arrives on Tuesday.

Argentinian President Javier Milei issued an anti-foreigner decree while in Lima, Peru on July 28, 2026. The action aims to reclaim political attention.

Cali, Colombia, is entering a major security lockdown for the August 7 presidential handover with over 11,000 forces deployed, a citywide drone ban, and a reward for threat tips. Medellín’s Feria de las Flores is ongoing, and Argentina’s Monotributo deadline occurs on Tuesday.

Argentina's executive branch submitted a bill to reform the central bank's charter to the Chamber of Deputies. President Javier Milei announced the bill in a nationwide broadcast, and the government aims to pass it in August.