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Latin America


SACU and South America to deepen trade relations
Officials from the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) and the South American-based Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) have reaffirmed their commitment to the full implementation of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
Chile sees ‘long line’ of nations looking to join digital partnership initiative
Chile sees growing interest from several nations in joining the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, an international treaty brokered last year by the country and fellow APEC members New Zealand and Singapore.
One step forward, two steps back in the struggle against anti-democratic corporate trade rules
Pakistan is the latest country to reject the system that allows private investors to sue governments in international tribunals. But Ecuador is back-tracking and the lawsuits continue to proliferate.
S. Korea vows to speed up trade talks with Central, South America in 2021
South Korea’s trade ministry vowed to make more progress in expanding trade pacts with counterparts from Central and South America this year, in line with its efforts to diversify its export portfolio amid the growing protectionism around the globe.
The status of investor-state arbitration in Latin America in 2021
Last year saw a wave of cases against Latin American states, driven in particular, but not exclusively, by a large number of claims filed against Peru, Colombia and Mexico. This wave is likely to continue in 2021.
Biden’s top trade official should work to protect governments from the rising number of corporate lawsuits
In 2020, foreign investors filed at least 51 known cases demanding huge sums from governments struggling to fight a historic pandemic.
Juggling crisis
Latin America’s battle with COVID-19 hampered by investment arbitration cases.
EU’s “Frugal Five” blocking of recovery plan, anticipates difficulties to finalize accord with Mercosur
The emergence of the so-called “Frugal Five” led by Austria and Netherlands, has blocked so far the European Union recovery plan, with a massive injection of funds, and forebodes hard times to finally reach the implementation of an EU trade agreement with Mercosur.
The remarkable life and legacy of indigenous leader Berta Cáceras
Honduran environmental activist Berta Cáceres was a strong voice against free trade and fought for the Lenca people’s right to live on their sacred land.
Corporate lawsuits could devastate poor countries grappling with Covid-19
Wealthy corporations may use trade courts to keep public health measures from cutting into their profits.
Silent expansion
Many countries, particularly in the global south, are in the process of joining the Energy Charter Treaty despite the sweeping powers it grants to foreign investors.
Guatemalan water protectors persist, despite mining company threats
The hard work of protecting water and land from the long-term harms associated with gold and silver mining takes place daily on the frontlines of tenacious struggles throughout Latin America and around the world.
Mining companies use excessive legal powers to gamble with Latin American lives
In more than two-thirds of the mining-related lawsuits against governments in the region, communities have actively organizing against the mining activities.
New report exposes mining companies suing Latin American countries where communities defend land and environment
We analyzed 38 multi-million dollar claims brought by the mining industry using ISDS and other investment protection laws; in over half, communities are fighting to protect Indigenous territory, water, and more.
The battle for Latin America: How the US helped destroy the “pink tide”
After sponsoring juntas until well into the 1990s, the US went after Central and South America with “free trade” deals before once again working with extremists.
China’s construction binge spreads to Americas, rattles US
China’s expansion in Latin America of its Belt and Road initiative to build ports and other trade-related facilities is stirring alarm in Washington over Beijing’s ambitions in a region that American leaders since the 19th century have seen as off-limits to other powers.
Winners and losers
How the Global South is affected by the current trade turmoil – and old patterns of power.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its two Latin American gateways
Chile and Panama offer China two important physical entry points into Latin America. Chile features an attractive legal framework for the protection of Chinese investments in the country. Panama is following suit. A ripple effect in the region is foreseeable.
Conflicts between Latin American countries and transnational corporations: The challenges of the region in the face of asymmetrical investment treaties
Facing multimillion dollar claims, many Latin American states have become critical of investment arbitration. A group of researchers building a database of legal and policy tools aims to change this.
Deported Mexicans: From exploited and precarious workers to forced migrants of return
Forced migrants, refugees and deportees are an irrefutable and undeniable example of the world as a chronically unequal and structurally inequitable scenario. In the era of globalization, human rights are not met or respected.