Brazil

Mexico’s Braskem Idesa SAPI has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US, citing mounting financial strain and a worsening liquidity crunch. The company is described as a joint venture between Brazil’s Braskem SA and Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim.

Nicolle Yapur, a Bogota-based EM reporter, joined Leda Alvim for a podcast discussion on investment trends. They addressed why investors are increasingly seeking opportunities in inflation-linked bonds across the emerging world, looking beyond established markets like Brazil and Mexico.

Braskem SA reported a second-quarter net income of $658 million, improving significantly from a loss recorded in the same period last year. The petrochemical company posted revenue totaling $4.3 billion and achieved a per-share profit of $1.65. Shares closed at $2.07.

A longtime West Hollywood resident from Brazil was detained by ICE agents during an immigration check-in. Friends of the man are concerned that he may face deportation to Africa.

Brazil’s largest bitcoin treasury firm plans to introduce an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). This new ETF vehicle will feature a substantial allocation, dedicating 95% of its funds to Strategy's STRC.

Goldman staff have been named as suspects in an investigation within Brazil. The probe specifically concerns a shareholder dispute involving Oncoclínicas, which is described as a cancer specialist.

Embraer SA reported second-quarter earnings of $212.6 million, posting a profit of $1.19 per share. The company also posted revenue of $2.24 billion for the period. These financial results topped both Wall Street expectations and general street forecasts.

Brazil aims to target crypto fraud by implementing rules that include up to a 24-hour transfer hold. These regulations cover transactions above $10,000 sent to overseas providers or self-custody wallets, in addition to other transfers flagged for review.

Brazil’s federal police have formally accused 16 current and former employees of airline Voepass for the plane crash that occurred in 2024. The accident resulted in the deaths of 62 people.

Banco Bradesco SA reported a second-quarter net income of $1.4 billion and earnings of 13 cents per share. The financial holding company posted revenue of $7.42 billion, which surpassed Street forecasts.

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.

Flávio Bolsonaro, a presidential candidate in Brazil and the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has selected his running mate for the October election. The announcement comes as he campaigns against Lula in the upcoming vote.

Brazil plans to issue yuan-denominated bonds annually in China, making the Chinese currency a regular part of its external debt. A senior Brazilian treasury official stated the debut is expected before year-end, though it will not significantly impact the government's finances due to low external debt levels.

Stephen Bear admitted to breaching sex offenders register requirements in court, accompanied by his pregnant Brazilian wife, 19. The court appearance involved his acknowledgment of failing to meet legal obligations as a registered sex offender.

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.

A massive fire at a chemical factory in Brazil has caused evacuations. The incident is ongoing and impacting the local area.

The US Southern Command launched Panamax 2026, a multinational military exercise around the Panama Canal involving Brazil and 18+ partner armies from August 3 to 13. The US also established a 'Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere' focused on combating narcoterrorism and other threats.

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.

BYD plans to debut its first humanoid robots in August as competition with Tesla intensifies. Brazil is highlighted as the largest buyer of Chinese cars, including EVs.

BYD plans to debut its first humanoid robots in August as Chinese electric car makers expand into embodied artificial intelligence. Brazil has been named the largest buyer of Chinese cars, including electric vehicles.

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.

Soybean, corn, and wheat prices declined due to a stronger US dollar, improved US crop conditions, and cautious demand from China. Brazil's export sector is monitoring the situation as tracker funds for these commodities slip.

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.

Mercosur spent two decades negotiating with Europe while overlooking Southeast Asia. Brazil appointed its first dedicated ASEAN ambassador, Henrique Archanjo Ferraro, in March 2024, marking a shift in regional strategy.

Bolivia has deployed over 200 police and military officers to patrol its border with Brazil in response to gang violence. Footage shows the Bolivian forces conducting border operations.

The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington as part of an escalating diplomatic dispute. The US State Department indicated the decision could be reversed if Brazil approves President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Brasilia, Daniel Perez.

The US revoked Brazil’s ambassador’s visa as retaliation for Brazil’s refusal to approve Trump’s nominee for ambassador in Brasília and its decision to deny visas to two US diplomats before an October election. The move escalates a diplomatic feud between the Trump administration and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The US has revoked Brazil’s ambassador’s visa in retaliation for Brazil’s refusal to approve a Trump nominee for ambassador to Brasília and its denial of visas to two US diplomats. The move escalates a diplomatic feud between the Trump administration and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The Trump administration revoked the Brazilian ambassador’s visa amid a diplomatic dispute. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was mentioned in the context of the incident.

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.

The Trump administration revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, in retaliation for blocked US diplomat visas.

The US revoked Brazil's ambassador's visa as part of a diplomatic standoff, stating the action would be reversed if Brazil approves President Donald Trump's nominee for ambassador before Brazil's presidential election.

The Trump administration revoked Brazil's ambassador's visa in response to Brazil denying visas for two American diplomats and delaying approval of Trump's ambassadorial nominee. The U.S. State Department stated the action could be reversed if Brazil accepts the nominee and allows the ambassador to resume duties.

The US has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador in a retaliatory move that is deepening diplomatic tensions ahead of Brazil's October elections.

The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador in Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, due to the Brazilian government's delay in approving the US ambassador to Brasília and denying visas to American diplomats. Senior State Department officials confirmed the action as a response to these diplomatic delays.

The Trump administration revoked Brazil's ambassador's visa amid escalating diplomatic tensions. The move follows Brazil denying visas to two U.S. diplomats and delaying approval of a U.S. ambassador nominee. Reciprocal actions and further measures are possible if Brazil continues delays.

The Trump administration revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the U.S. amid escalating tensions, following Brazil’s denial of visas to two American diplomats and delays in approving Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Brazil. The dispute includes reciprocal diplomatic actions, tariffs on Brazilian exports, and the designation of Brazilian drug gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.