AGP Executive Report

Colombia Election Fallout: Conservative candidate Abelardo de la Espriella urged prosecutors to investigate alleged rebel voter coercion in the May 31 first round, citing unusually high vote shares in municipalities with illegal armed groups ahead of the June 21 runoff. Peru Runoff Tightens: With 96% of ballots counted, Peru’s presidential race is effectively deadlocked—Roberto Sánchez at 50.055% vs Keiko Fujimori at 49.945%—as slow counting rules keep results potentially weeks away. Costa Rica IMF Review: The IMF delivered another positive assessment but warned against complacency, stressing pending reforms and the risk of postponing tough decisions. Argentina Retail Rebound: Luxury and global brands are returning as import rules loosen, pushing mall operators to expand despite softer consumer spending. World Cup Tourism Angle (US Latinos): Airbnb says Latino travel demand for the 2026 World Cup is set to rise, with group trips and family-friendly stays driving bookings. Tech/Trade Watch: China’s May exports jumped 19.4% on AI-driven demand, while growth to Latin America moderated. Sports Betting Tech: Sportradar extended its Wimbledon data and betting rights deal, reinforcing its role in tennis wagering ecosystems.

Peru Election: Leftist Roberto Sánchez took a narrow lead over Keiko Fujimori as vote counting moved into a second day, with concerns centered on crime and the economy and investors watching foreign ballots for a possible shift. Regional Politics Poll: Uruguay’s President Yamandú Orsi slipped to 12th in a best-rated presidents ranking, while El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele led with a 69.1% positive image. U.S.-Cuba Pressure & Solidarity: Mexico and Belize sent 1,700 tons of aid to Cuba as the island faces energy shortages and food insecurity under tightened U.S. restrictions. Aviation Headwinds: IATA warned global airline profits could be cut in half in 2026 as Middle East war disruptions and fuel costs bite, while CEOs also renewed pressure on engine makers. Trade & Diplomacy: Uruguay announced visa-free entry for Chinese citizens, following Brazil’s similar move, signaling deeper regional outreach to China. Culture: Argentina mourned rock icon Carlos “Indio” Solari, whose grassroots following helped define an era of Latin American music. Tech & Society: A Pentagon-backed Spanish-English site, “La Tilde,” was reported as using AI-written propaganda aimed at multiple Latin American countries.

Peru Election Watch: Peru’s presidential runoff remains too close to call as vote counts drag on and uncertainty fuels market jitters. Aviation & Trade: IATA cut its 2026 air-cargo growth outlook after Middle East disruptions, while airline CEOs at an IATA summit pressed engine makers over delays and rising repair costs—LATAM Brasil says it has 12 planes grounded. US–Latin America Politics: The US imposed new visa restrictions on 100+ Nicaraguan officials after Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera died in custody. Cuba Under Pressure: A fresh US indictment of Raúl Castro and reports of CIA talks in Havana underscore Washington’s intensified campaign amid Cuba’s deepening fuel and power crisis. Security & Crime Routes: A new analysis says the Caribbean has become a key transatlantic cocaine hub, with criminal networks shifting between sea, air, and river routes. Business in the Region: EXPO PACK México 2026 drew 18,400 attendees and 6,100 exhibitors, highlighting packaging and processing momentum across Latin America. Health: FAO warns the Strait of Hormuz crisis could trigger a fertilizer shock, raising costs for farmers across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Aviation Shock: IATA warns the “new normal” after the Iran war won’t fade—global airline profit forecasts for 2026 are cut roughly in half to about $23B as fuel costs soar, Middle East routes stay disrupted, and delivery delays pile up. Peru Election Tension: Exit polls put conservative Keiko Fujimori narrowly ahead of leftist Roberto Sánchez in the runoff, with voters focused on crime and extortion after a wave of protests. Cuba Fuel Crisis: Cuba’s iconic almendrones are increasingly sidelined as a worsening fuel shortage deepens, with drivers stuck in long reservation queues blamed on the U.S. energy blockade. Crypto Payments Leap: Kraken and MoneyGram launch Bitcoin-to-cash withdrawals across 100+ countries via MoneyGram’s huge retail network, aiming to make cash access easier worldwide. Israel-Linked Propaganda Row: Colombia’s Petro accuses Israel/US of using “Nazi” style tactics in Latin America politics, prompting a sharp rebuttal from Israel’s UN ambassador. Wellness Industry Move: Aker BioMarine kicks off “Vitality Month” events starting June 9, expanding into Europe and Latin America with science-backed health themes.

Peru Runoff: Peru votes in a tight presidential runoff between conservative Keiko Fujimori and leftist Roberto Sánchez, with crime and political instability driving the race and institutions still shaken by last round’s delays. Bolivia Protest Crackdown: Bolivia’s legislature passed a law letting President Rodrigo Paz use the military to clear roadblocks, granting soldiers a “presumption of legality” as shortages and clashes fuel tensions. Mexico Security: Mexico arrested a suspected MS-13 leader, “El Misterio,” in Chiapas, adding to the pressure on gangs after the U.S. labeled major cartels terrorist groups. LATAM Aviation: LATAM says Boeing 787 delivery delays are disrupting fleet plans as it prepares to receive its first Embraer 195-E2s, while Air Canada and Abra Group move to deepen connectivity across the Americas. Public Health: The CDC expanded a Salmonella alert tied to moringa supplements, reporting 119 cases across 36 states, and also issued guidance on travel-related medical tourism risks. Energy & Trade: Argentina hosted a U.S.-led nuclear workshop on small modular reactors, while a new Argentina dredging tender highlights U.S.-China friction in regional infrastructure. Church & Society: Pope Leo XIV drew massive crowds in Madrid, framing Christianity as a “school of faith,” while women and LGTBI+ groups pressed for a more inclusive Church.

AI Governance: A new argument says global AI rules are being set by a small group of wealthy tech powers, risking a “digital order” where the Global South is stuck as a consumer instead of shaping standards on ethics, cybersecurity, privacy, and access. Humanitarian Funding Gap: The Norwegian Refugee Council flags Sudan as the most ignored displacement crisis of 2025, with the DRC back in the top ten for a tenth straight year, while funding has fallen to about a quarter of needs met. Food Insecurity in the Caribbean: Trinidad and Tobago reports about 512,000 people can’t afford a healthy meal, with undernutrition, stunting, anemia, and obesity all showing up in the same national snapshot. Health Rights: UNFPA highlights obstetric fistula as a “silent crisis” tied to lack of timely care, isolating women and deepening poverty across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Regional Trade & Investment: India’s CM Mohan Yadav used the India–Latin America and Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum to push jobs and growth through sector deals in agriculture, pharma, IT, energy, logistics, tourism, and skills. US Immigration Ruling: A US federal judge struck down Trump-era restrictions affecting immigrants from 39 countries, reopening asylum and legal immigration processing for many. Crypto in Brazil: Ethena’s USDe synthetic dollar token went live on Mercado Bitcoin, signaling continued demand for USD-pegged assets in Latin America. Security & Sanctions: The US designated Brazil’s Comando Vermelho and PCC as terrorist organizations, raising compliance and legal risk for firms operating in Brazil.

World Cup Build-Up: Mexico City set a Guinness record for the largest “human wave” outside a stadium on Reforma, five days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off. US Immigration Ruling: A federal judge struck down Trump-era legal immigration restrictions affecting people from 39 countries, saying USCIS left applicants in “indeterminate legal limbo.” Peru Election: Leftist contender Roberto Sánchez urged “respectful” ties with Trump and promised continuity on economic policy ahead of the June runoff. Latin America Labor Solidarity: Trade unions met in Geneva for the sixth Solidarity Trade Union Forum, reaffirming support for the Sahrawi people. Air Cargo Expansion: IATA is expanding cargo services in Brazil, Mexico, and Paraguay, including new CASS Domestic in Mexico and a planned Paraguay launch. Border Wall Spending: A report says border wall contracts surged, with most money going to two firms tied to GOP and White House connections. Venezuela Biodiversity: Venezuela returned 400 rescued Tejado canary birds after a seizure in Brazil tied to illegal trafficking. Green Stadiums: 13 of 16 World Cup venues have earned LEED certification, with solar, water savings, and waste cuts highlighted.

UN Diplomacy: Guyana picked up a symbolic vote in the UN Security Council election and, alongside Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, Zimbabwe and Kyrgyzstan, secured seats for 2027-28—keeping Caribbean representation in the top security forum. US Immigration Court Ruling: A federal judge struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused or slowed asylum, work permits, green cards and citizenship for people from 39 countries, calling the approach unlawful and leaving applicants in “indeterminate legal limbo.” Geopolitics & Sanctions: The US expanded pressure on Cuba with new sanctions targeting President Miguel Díaz-Canel and others, drawing condemnation from Havana. Regional Security & Crime: Brazil’s government criticized the US terrorist designation of CV and PCC, warning it could invite interference and hurt tourism, investment and trade. Energy & Infrastructure: Guyana’s grid modernization through 2030 got a roadmap from InterEnergy, aiming for a more reliable, resilient and digitally managed power system. Bolivia Protests: Bolivia’s general strike entered another month with road blockades continuing and the government facing mounting pressure.

US Immigration Courts: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship decisions for people from 39 countries, calling the move “illegal,” “arbitrary,” and leaving applicants in “indeterminate legal limbo.” Border Wall Watch: New reporting says border-wall spending in the past six months surged to $19.4B, with most contracts going to two firms tied to the GOP and the White House. Latin America Deportations: More than half of Latin Americans deported from the US to Congo in April have already returned home, after US immigration judges said they’d likely face persecution. Brazil Security & Terror Label: Brazil criticized the US decision to label CV and PCC as terrorist organizations, warning it could spill into tourism, investment, trade, and the financial system. Beauty Expansion: rhode (Hailey Bieber’s brand) launched direct-to-consumer sales in Mexico, its first Latin America entry, starting June 9. Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda named Charmaine Spencer Chief Marketing Officer as arrivals rose 7% in Q1 2026. Argentina Economy: Retirees in Argentina are returning to work as inflation erodes pensions. Culture: Romeo Santos and Prince Royce released the official video for “Ay! San Miguel,” featuring Fefita La Grande. Trade & Logistics: IATA expanded cargo services in Mexico and Paraguay via CASS, aiming to boost air freight billing and connectivity.

Mercury Warning: UN Minamata Convention chief Monika Stankiewicz says toxic mercury from artisanal gold mining is still harming women and families, with fumes and contaminated rivers spreading far beyond mine sites. Crime Cooperation: Germany and Mexico launched fresh talks to strengthen joint action against organized crime and drug trafficking, with officials also covering energy and water issues. US Cartel Crackdown: The US military struck another alleged drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific, killing two, as attacks near 200 deaths draw renewed legal and effectiveness scrutiny. Venezuela–India Energy Push: India’s petroleum minister met Venezuela’s acting president and said an Indian technical team will soon visit to explore long-term energy opportunities. Colombia Politics: Outgoing President Petro attacked Trump’s endorsement of Abelardo de la Espriella, accusing Washington of backing “narco-traffickers” ahead of a June runoff. World Cup Culture: FIFA named Shakira and Burna Boy to headline the 2026 opener song “Dai Dai” at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Tourism & Business: Remington Hospitality took over Belize’s Aruna Resort & Villas, expanding its Caribbean and Latin America portfolio. Diplomatic Milestone: Trinidad and Tobago’s UN Security Council seat is framed as a major win for Caricom ties.

UN Security Council Shake-Up: Kyrgyzstan won a non-permanent seat for the first time, joining Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe after the June 3 vote—while Germany’s bid failed. Cuba Under Pressure: Parlatino warned that US talk of attacking Cuba, plus tighter sanctions, raises the risk of escalation; Russia and China meanwhile reiterated support and investment interest in Havana. Argentina Femicide Crisis: Two teenage girls were murdered in Córdoba and the case has reignited protests and anger over cuts to support for gender-based violence victims under Javier Milei. Venezuela Energy Push: Delcy Rodriguez met India’s Modi in New Delhi to expand long-term cooperation, with Venezuela’s oil framed as an “opportunity” for India’s energy needs. Brazil–China Diplomacy: Brazil’s foreign minister held the fifth China-Brazil strategic dialogue in Beijing, emphasizing cooperation amid “external challenges.” Tech/Finance in LatAm: GatesAir opened a Brazil office to support the DTV+ rollout, while Bybit and Western Union integrated the USDPT stablecoin for faster, compliant payments.

Diplomacy & Trade: Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is set for a two-day visit to Mexico, co-chairing the German-Mexican Binational Commission with economic cooperation at the center. Education Policy: A global look at university admissions shows how countries balance merit, equality, and competition—from Spain-style exams to systems that rely more on school performance. Cuba Crisis: Havana’s garbage crisis is worsening as power outages and fuel shortages stall trash pickup, leaving residents to burn waste and raising health fears. Soccer & Social Mobility: In Rio’s favelas, the Street Child World Cup is giving young players a rare path abroad and a sense of safety through sport. UN Security Council: Germany failed to win a non-permanent UN Security Council seat; Portugal and Austria won the Western European spots, while Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe secured Latin America and Africa seats. U.S.-Latin America Security: The U.S. carried out another strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific, adding to a campaign that critics question and that Brazil’s gang terrorist designations are likely to complicate. Payments & Cross-Border Finance: XTransfer and BBVA signed an MoU to deepen cross-border payments across Latin America and Europe.

U.S.-Venezuela Electoral Pressure: Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Venezuela to set “as soon as possible” the conditions for free elections, including a new electoral commission, and called for more independent media and room for parties to organize. U.S.-Brazil Tariff Clash: Brazil’s Lula escalated the fight over proposed 25% U.S. tariffs, blaming the Bolsonaro family for lobbying Washington and telling China he’ll “sell to someone else” after beef-related steps; the dispute also follows U.S. moves targeting Brazilian gangs and alleged trade barriers. UN Security Council Seats: The UN General Assembly elected Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe to the 2027-2028 Security Council, while Germany failed to win; Kyrgyzstan beat the Philippines for the Asia-Pacific seat. Colombia Runoff Politics: Abelardo de la Espriella thanked Trump for endorsing his bid ahead of the June 21 runoff, as scrutiny grows over his past legal ties to Venezuela-linked corruption allegations. Brazil Trade Snapshot: Brazil posted a May trade surplus of $7.8B, beating forecasts as export prices rose faster than imports. Argentina Gender Violence Shock: Argentina is reeling after the killing of 14-year-old Agostina Vega, reviving anger ahead of the Ni Una Menos protest.

Cuba-US Tensions: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Cuba a “failed state” and a growing national security threat, alleging Havana hosts Chinese and Russian intelligence operations and undermines pro-US governments across Latin America. China Influence Watch: Rubio also said the US is intensifying efforts to counter China’s expanding footprint in the region, citing ports, telecoms, critical minerals and infrastructure. Colombia Politics: Trump endorsed hard-right Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of the June 21 runoff, backing him as a key partner for the US. Payments & Stablecoins: Mastercard said it will expand settlement capabilities for card transactions, including on-chain settlement using regulated stablecoins, aiming to move money beyond traditional banking hours. Trade & Tariffs: The US proposed new tariffs on imports from 60 economies over forced-labor concerns, with duties of 10% or 12.5% depending on the country. Business in Brazil: AD Ports Group agreed to acquire Brazil’s agribulk terminal operator CLI for about $835m (AED 3.1bn), marking its first operating platform in Latin America.

Peru Crime Surge: Ahead of Sunday’s presidential runoff, AP reports extortion has jumped fivefold over five years to nearly 29,000 cases in 2025, while killings more than doubled to 2,226—fueling fear for voters and small businesses in places like Trujillo. US–Brazil Trade Clash: The Trump administration proposes 25% tariffs on imports from Brazil, citing trade and anti-corruption disputes; Lula called it with “indignation” and threatened retaliation. Colombia Diplomacy Pivot: Trump nominates businessman Nate Morris as ambassador to Colombia as the country heads into a runoff shaped by uncertainty over ties with Washington. Health Policy Debate: A review finds Chile’s black warning labels cut sugar purchases at the population level, but the effect largely disappears for low-income shoppers—raising equity concerns. China–LATAM Signals: China backs Brazil’s sovereignty and says it will deepen China-Latin America cooperation amid US tariff pressure. Regional Culture: The Dominican Republic opened Latin America and Caribbean Week at UNESCO in Paris, spotlighting merengue, bachata and UNESCO-listed traditions. Energy Efficiency Push: A new global report says 98% of industrial firms plan energy-efficiency investments, but financing and internal capability gaps still slow delivery.

Colombia Election Shock: Far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella won the first round with 43.7% and will face leftist Iván Cepeda in a June 21 runoff, as Petro disputed preliminary results. Public Order in Mexico: Mexico City police used tear gas to disperse teachers marching toward the Zócalo ahead of the World Cup fan festival construction. US–Colombia Security & Politics: Coverage highlights how Washington is targeting narco networks and how that pressure could ripple into Colombia’s runoff politics. Healthcare in Latin America: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics will expand access to Precivity blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid assessment across multiple countries including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and others. El Salvador Health Upgrade: The New Rosales Hospital opened with hybrid operating rooms and expanded surgical capacity. Business Complexity: TMF Group’s index flags Mexico and Brazil among the world’s most complex places for foreign firms, with Colombia also slipping. Tech & Infrastructure: InterNexa activates a Colombian coastal fibre route, boosting connectivity.