The impact of COVID-19 on global economies is being unfolded as we continue to experience the period of prolonged economic uncertainty. As the virus’ epicenter has shifted from Asia to Europe, and now Latin America, financial markets have plummeted and with them sectors such as the project development, infrastructure or construction sector on a worldwide … Continue Reading
The coronavirus pandemic (also known as “COVID-19”) outbreak has challenged humanity to control the spread of the virus and save human lives. While the world is incredulous at the rising death toll, and more than a third of the global population is experiencing social distancing and self-isolation measures for the first time in history, country … Continue Reading
The first quarter of 2020 is not ending on a positive note for most parts of the world, including Latin America. In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus, the region is also facing the consequences of a historic dengue epidemic and feeling the impact of the oil pricing … Continue Reading
In January, U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo travelled overseas for a trip that included stops in Germany, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. This was the Secretary’s ninth trip to the Western Hemisphere since assuming office in 2018 and his first overseas trip for 2020, underscoring the Trump Administration’s renewed emphasis on the importance of … Continue Reading
On December 2, President Donald Trump announced Section 232 tariff exemptions previously granted to Argentina and Brazil would terminate “effective immediately.” In his December 2 tweet, President Trump criticized the two countries for “presiding over a massive devaluation of their currencies, which is not good for [U.S.] farmers.” The U.S. reached agreements with Brazil and … Continue Reading
When it comes to trade, President Donald Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer are not scared to chart an uncommon path. The Trump Administration’s use of Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 demonstrates this fact. Section 301 is a tool that grants the president the authority to impose tariffs and/or other trade-related … Continue Reading
On June 6, Squire Patton Boggs’ Miami office hosted the Brazil-Florida Business Council and its members for a discussion titled “Brazil Mid-Year Outlook: The Bolsonaro Administration Scorecard.” The program featured two prominent speakers, Paulo Leme, former CEO and Chairman of Goldman Sachs Brazil and Professor of Finance at the University of Miami Business School, and … Continue Reading
On May 30, United States President Donald Trump announced plans to impose new tariffs on all products imported from Mexico to the United States. Such an act would significantly impact binational trade and especially those sectors that have integrated supply chains, such as the automotive, agriculture, clothing, alcohol, electronic devices, and oil and gas industries.… Continue Reading
Last week, a group of Ecuadorian government officials and business stakeholders traveled to Washington, DC, to encourage increased trade and investment ties between the United States and Ecuador. The delegation, which was led by Foreign Trade Minister Pablo Campana Sáenz, is seeking to revive US trade with, tourism to, and investment in Ecuador. During his … Continue Reading
On August 20, trade officials from the United States, Mexico, and Canada concluded the first round of negotiations to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In a joint statement released following five days of talks, trade officials reiterated their commitment to updating the deal, continuing domestic consultations, and working on draft text. They … Continue Reading
On July 21, the presidents and other high-level officials of Mercosur’s member nations – Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay – met in Mendoza, Argentina to discuss the trade bloc’s next steps for increasing free trade with other regions. Top priorities on the agenda were the finalization of the trade negotiations with the European Union, as … Continue Reading
Under pressure to make good on campaign promises as his first 100 days in office drew to a close, President Donald Trump considered a number of new trade-related actions last week, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement with his Administration on trade matters. On Wednesday, April 26, reports emerged that President Trump was seriously considering … Continue Reading
Trade policy has been at the top of President Donald Trump’s agenda since he began his campaign for the U.S. presidency. Last month, he signed an Executive Order officially withdrawing the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, a megaregional trade deal between the United States and eleven trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region. President … Continue Reading
On Monday, January 23, President Donald Trump signed a memorandum formally withdrawing the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, following up on one of his biggest campaign promises. The memorandum directs the U.S. Trade Representative to notify the other TPP parties and the Depository of the TPP that the United States will be … Continue Reading
