China gives U.S. competition in Latin American trade and expansion

Source: The Guardian

China has set up camp in Latin America, a region once considered to be the U.S.'s backyard, and it won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
After Chinese trade in Latin America saw an increase from $10 billion in 2000 to $100 billion in 2010, the trend seems to be one that the business-focused nation will want to continue.
Among the trade agreements China has entered into include importing copper from Chile, soy from Argentina, zinc from Peru and iron ore from Brazil.
Agreements to sign oil deals with Chile and Venezuela have been postponed since China's earthquake, but are still scheduled to occur.
Though Venezuela President Hugo Chavez has declared himself to be a Maoist, Chinese officials don't seem to be affected by his ideologic rhetoric.

Philadelphia-based solar business plans expansion into South America from Florida satellites

Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer


Russia moves into South America, unaffected by opinions of other world superpowers

Source: www.petroleumworld.com

U.S. seeks free trade agreement with Colombia to reward international security improvements

Source: L.A. Times


U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates threw support to ratifying a trade agreement with Colombia, a significant step for one of the U.S.'s biggest and most controversial allies in the region.
Though many human rights activists oppose the treaty, which was first signed during George W. Bush's administration, Obama has said the South American country has made many strides in its labor rights policies, and he now supports the administration.
The Department of Defense view the agreement as a way to reward the country for its success fighting against narco-trafficking and insurgent terrorism.
Hoping to influence other Latin American countries, like Mexico and Peru which have received military training from Colombia, the Defense Department want to use ratification of this trade agreement to push other countries to take a cue from Colombia's successes.
"Colombia's success against terrorists and narco-traffickers does offer a lot of opportunities for them to share their expertise," Gates said. "We certainly would like to see . . . other countries take advantage of Colombia's strengths."

Brazil first South American country in Top 50 most innovative countries

Source: BusinessWeek


Argentine economy making headway with investors; U.S. companies in the mix

Source: BusinessWeek

Ford invests in emerging markets in Brazil, Argentina with first profitability in four years

Wasting no time trying to sustain the new period of profitability, Ford Motor Co. is investing in Brazil, Argentina and South Africa to increase sales in these emerging markets.
Ford reached its first profitable year in 2009 since 2005, and the company seeking to revamp its facilities in the three countries, with improvements amounting to totals of $207 million in South Africa, $282 million in Brazil and $250 million in Argentina, Ford said this week.
Ford trails GM, Fiat, Toyota and Volkswagen in sales the South American countries.
Investments in these countries follows an almost $1.5 billion investment in Asian countries.

Source: BusinessWeek

Delta endeavors to establish first non-stop flights from Detroit to Brazil

Source: freep.com

South American countries become players in controversial international trade arrangements

Source: JewishTimes.com

U.S. credit companies set sights on South America and Asia for new opportunities

South American and Asian markets hold promise for future enterprises in the credit industry as opportunities for credit experts fade in the U.S.
Asset-backed security companies have had their share of stressors since the recession, but growth in countries like Brazil, China and India is offering prospects for future business.
"Over time you'll need more people in emerging markets and more people evaluating the local opportunities in those countries including China, Brazil and India," said Mark Kiesel, head global credit research analyst for Pacific Investment Management Co. "These are growing countries that are increasing their influence in the markets. They will have a lot more companies coming to market, and you're going to need people to do the bottom-up credit work for those countries."
Kiesel said that as younger businesses grow in these countries, more credit companies will be needed to support the infrastructure changes.

Source: Reuters

Soybean margin improvement helps U.S. industry

Source: BusinessWeek

U.S.-based economist confirms Chilean inflation as a result of earthquake

Source: BusinessWeek

Mississippi business leaders will travel to South America to explore growth opportunities

The state government entity Mississippi Development Authority is financing a South America tour for state business leaders in June.
A group of business leaders will travel to Chile, Peru and Ecuador, meeting with business official counterparts to discuss opportunities for business growth.
Export opportunities between Mississippi and the three Pacific countries prompted the trip, according to Gray Swoope, MDA executive director.
The group will tour the countries during June 16-25.

Source: WXVT.com

As the U.S. looks to off-shore drilling, South America becomes the source of a wealth of oil

Source: UPI.com

International cell phone business. expects growth from South America, Africa

Source: BusinessWeek

U.S. capitalists look to future investments in Cuba


Though Cuban officials claim their economy isn’t waiting on U.S. involvement, entrepreneurs and investors are eyeing the once off-limits socialist country as a treasure trove for capitalistic possibility.
With access to Cuban tourism, U.S. travel industry executives met with Cuban officials to discuss the future of U.S.-Cuba relations.
While some are anticipating embargo changes, Cuban Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz said they are busy developing their industry for others in the world.
If allowed to enter into business transactions in Cuba, U.S. companies would join China, Venezuela, Iran, Britain, France and Spain as countries who already have an economic stake in the Caribbean country.


Source: The New York Times


Sony sells stock in HBO Latin America for $217 million to focus on its majority ownership

Source: BusinessWeek


U.S. technology wholesaler expects to maintain Latin American growth with purchase of another U.S. IT company

Source: Business News Americas

Mexico-based U.S. companies fear increasing violence in northern Mexico


Heightened drug violence has many U.S. companies based in Mexico concerned about safety, a recent poll shows.
According to a poll conducted among the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico, 58 percent of its members felt less safe than they did a year ago.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon's military crusade against the drug cartels and the U.S.'s diplomatic efforts to eradicate the violence haven't quelled the violence and killings.
Mexico is a top U.S. trading partner.

Source: The Washington Post

Two competing plane manufacturers share optimistic view on Latin American markets

Source: Reuters

Fiat gauges success in U.S. and South American markets for the next five years

Source: Freep.com