Latin America

The U.S. military is expanding its anti-drug campaign from boat strikes in Latin America to joint land operations, a move announced by the Trump administration. Joint missions have been agreed upon with countries including Colombia and Ecuador against criminal groups on their soil. Critics warn that this widening campaign risks civilian casualties and represents an asymmetrical attempt to impose U.S. security agendas.

The Trump administration states it is seeking to expand a lethal campaign from bombing boats off the coasts of Latin America’s Caribbean and Pacific onto land. This expansion follows earlier events involving boat strikes that reportedly killed hundreds.

The U.S. military is expanding its campaign from bombing drug boats to joint operations on land across Latin America, according to the Trump administration's defense secretary. Pete Hegseth announced that Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras agreed to allow U.S. forces into their nations. Critics, however, warn that this expansion risks civilian casualties and represents an asymmetrical relationship designed for projecting power.

The U.S. military plans to expand its anti-drug operations from lethal boat strikes off Latin America's coasts to joint land campaigns. Pete Hegseth announced that allied nations including Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras are expected to allow U.S. forces to conduct joint operations against criminal groups on their soil. Critics warn that this widening military campaign risks civilian casualties and is viewed as an attempt by the U.S. to impose its agenda through power projection.

MercadoLibre SA reported second-quarter earnings of $466 million with $9.19 per share profit, exceeding analysts' expectations. The company also posted revenue of $10.17 billion, surpassing forecasts.

MercadoLibre Inc. reported quarterly sales exceeding $10 billion, surpassing analysts' estimates. The e-commerce and fintech company noted sustained demand across its core business lines despite increasing competition in Latin America.

Pope Leo XIV is making his first Latin American trip as pontiff. He is the first US-born pope, having spent decades in the US as a missionary and church leader, and previously served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023.

The Trump administration captured and extradited one of Latin America's most brutal dictators. The article argues that Venezuela remains under an old dictatorship and urges completing the task.

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.

A commission co-chaired by Michelle Bachelet and Ivan Duque urges Latin American countries to avoid aligning with the United States or China and leverage their lithium and copper reserves for stronger negotiations, while noting constraints in security, technology, and infrastructure.

LATAM Airlines Group has initiated a 5% share buyback worth up to USD 671 million, marking the first such move by a Latin American carrier. This action aligns with the airline's ongoing post-Chapter-11 recovery efforts.

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.

Russia is recruiting young women from Latin America to assemble Geran-2 combat drones in Tatarstan. A Russian military truck is transporting these drones in Moscow.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Cuba has embedded spies in U.S. institutions and labeled the country an 'espionage superpower.' He cited a State Department report linking Cuba to influence operations, including protests and radical activism, and referenced cases like convicted Cuban spy Manuel Rocha and DIA analyst Ana Belén Montes.

Brazil and Mexico will set interest rates, while PMIs from China, the US, and Latin America will assess factory-floor recovery. US payrolls data will conclude the week's market events.

Bitcoin dropped 2.95% to US$62,814 as rate fears caused a decline in risk assets, with major cryptocurrencies also falling. The movement was noted for Latin America’s dollarised savers and stablecoins.

East and West Africa are establishing a new growth corridor with GDP growth rates of 5.8–6.1% and 4.1–4.3% respectively, creating a US$1 trillion trade opportunity for Latin America.

Latin America is emerging as a testing ground for a new control model combining Trumpism, corporate deregulation, and biometric surveillance. The convergence of these elements reflects a shift toward tech-driven authoritarian practices in the region.

Peru's international air cargo volumes increased by 10.3% in May 2026, surpassing other major Latin American markets. The growth was fueled by trade with the United States and regional partners, highlighting Lima's role as a strategic logistics hub.

Bitcoin remained steady at US$63,908 due to Fed policy, with Latin America's crypto adoption impacting remittances, stablecoins, and adoption in Brazil and Argentina.

Gold and silver prices increased as a softer U.S. dollar and safe-haven demand boosted market sentiment, with a gold-tracking fund reaching $4,085 and a silver-tracking fund hitting $58.20. Latin American miners also saw gains.

Santander Mexico achieved a record loan book of MXN 1 trillion in H1 2026 but reported a 3% year-on-year net income decline in Q2. Coca-Cola Andina experienced an 11.1% sales increase despite broader profit stagnation in Latin America due to margin pressures.

J.P. Morgan notes that seven Latin American presidential elections since 2025 have resulted in center-right governments. The bank describes the 2026 election sequence as a potential 'supercycle' that could reshape regional policies. Brazil's October vote is highlighted as the only major election in the region.

Copper prices fell as miners face pressure due to uncertain demand from China, the energy transition's impact, and Latin America's significant role in future supply.

Gold remained stable while silver saw a slight increase, influenced by softer real U.S. yields and a cautious dollar. The market movements were linked to safe-haven demand and mining exposure in Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Peru.

Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru’s ninth president in 10 years. The article describes her as the conservative daughter of a former dictator and highlights her as the latest rightwing leader in Latin America.

Lithium miners such as LIT ETF, Albemarle, and SQM saw modest gains as steady electric vehicle battery demand and Latin American policy changes influenced the market. The article highlights the Lithium Triangle's role in this sector.

Bitcoin declined while Solana and XRP increased in a mixed cryptocurrency session. Latin American users are utilizing stablecoins and faster networks like Solana for savings and remittances.

The article provides a weekly analysis of Latin America's collective mood based on verified events from 26 July 2026, as interpreted by The Rio Times.

The Brazil ETF market has tripled due to a boom in new Latin America funds. Exchange-traded funds are rapidly increasing in local markets across Latin America as investors seek domestically tailored products.

Colombia's Siigo raised US$103.5 million to expand its SME software across Latin America. The funding aims to support regional growth.

Brazil implements a US$3.7B tariff shield, while Bolivia faces a 11-to-1 dollar exchange rate crisis. Latin America navigates global economic strategies and local challenges on July 25, 2026.

North Africa met global poverty-reduction targets but now faces a USD 104.9 billion financing gap. The region's economic challenges are presented as a cautionary example for Latin America.

Ortega announced the end of elections in Nicaragua, highlighting the decreasing influence of pro-democracy movements in Latin America.

Latin America's sports agenda is shaped by Copa Sudamericana knockouts, Brazil's Série A developments, World Cup fallout, and Paris 2024 selection battles. The article highlights key regional and international sports events impacting the region.

Latin American grains, including soybeans and wheat, declined due to South American export flows and China's demand, while corn slightly increased. Currency movements further impacted the grain market for foreign investors.

Brent crude exceeded US$100 for the first time since May due to Red Sea attacks, with mixed effects across Latin America.

Gold and silver prices decreased due to a stronger US dollar and increased real yields, reducing safe-haven demand. Mexico is noted as a leading silver producer in Latin America.

Latin American steel stocks increased due to reduced cheap Chinese imports and stable tariffs. Companies like SLX, Gerdau, CSN, and Ternium saw gains despite softness in construction and auto sectors.

The US-Iran conflict and Trump’s tariffs are reshaping Latin America's economic and security landscape, with Brazil retaliating through trade measures and rising fuel prices in Rio de Janeiro.