The Latin America lowdown: Intel with a twist
Dear Readers,?
Latin America has been making plenty of headlines. This month, Tidings focuses?on more key issues stirring the region.
Let’s talk Mexico.?As AMLO’s presidency winds down, he’s racing to push through major judicial and economic reforms before Sheinbaum takes over. His coalition’s supermajority could fast-track changes and these final moves will reshape Mexico’s governance and economy.
Up next, First Quantum Minerals is back in the spotlight with its Cobre Panama mine. Ongoing disputes, public opposition?and environmental concerns complicate negotiations with Panama’s new government. The question now is: just how anti-mining is Panama??
Argentina’s Regime for the Incentive of Large Investments (“RIGI”) is thriving and designed to draw substantial investments through tax incentives and regulatory benefits. This initiative is vital for the energy sector and beyond. The prospect of a USD 35.2 billion LNG project is hard to resist!
Now, to the heart of chocolate: Latin America is gaining ground in the global cocoa market as West African production grapples with climate challenges. Ecuador, Peru and the Dominican Republic are seizing this opportunity and expanding their influence. However, the region faces the hurdle of meeting stringent new EU regulations.
Shhh! The illicit whisky market in Colombia is trying to stay under the radar, with 30-40% of the whisky consumed being illegal. Fuelled by economic pressures and high taxes, this trade causes substantial tax losses and poses serious public health risks. One wrong sip of counterfeit whisky could be your last.
Let’s keep the celebration going with the excitement of Quincea?era parties, where the joy is as grand as the price tag. Marking a girl’s transition to womanhood, these elaborate events often see families spending over USD 30,000. After all, what better way to?spend?your hard-earned savings than on?one unforgettable party?
This month in Insights, we look at how?Brazil?is confronting severe climate issues, such as devastating floods in the south and historic droughts in the Amazon,?made worse by deforestation. As the country gears up to host COP30 in 2025, global scrutiny will intensify on its environmental policies, commitments and actualities.
We are also offering a Winter Internship to one lucky applicant. All the details are in this newsletter, so scroll on!
Staying informed has never been easier.
Until next month,
Jess?
Full house: Judicial reforms under AMLO.
As President AMLO nears the end of his term, he is pushing for significant judicial and economic reforms before Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration begins on October 1st. His coalition’s supermajority allows for rapid changes, including a controversial judicial reform shifting to popular elections for judges in 2025. This reform could impact Mexico’s judiciary and economic stability, with key decisions made in the final month of AMLO’s presidency.?
Arrested development: The future of Cobre Panama and First Quantum Minerals.
First Quantum Minerals (“FQM”) faces uncertainty with its Cobre Panama mine due to political and social challenges despite its significant economic contribution. Ongoing disputes, public opposition and environmental concerns have strained negotiations with Panama’s new government. The mine’s future depends on resolving these issues, which could have broad implications for FQM, Panama’s economy and the global copper market.?
Making it big: RIGI’s role in transforming Argentina’s energy sector.?
Argentina’s Regime for the Incentive of Large Investments (“RIGI”) aims to attract substantial investments through tax incentives and regulatory benefits, which are crucial for the energy sector and other industries. While promising significant growth, including a USD 35.2 billion LNG project, challenges like regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure deficits and economic instability must be addressed to fully realise this potential transformation.?
A handful of magic beans: Latin America’s growing influence in the global cocoa market.?
Latin America is gaining influence in the global cocoa market as West African production faces climate-related challenges. Countries like Ecuador, Peru and the Dominican Republic are capitalising on this shift, with Ecuador producing 454,000 tonnes in 2023. Rising cocoa prices, driven by supply constraints, benefit these nations, though meeting new EU regulations remains challenging.?
The Smuggler’s In(n): The whisky smuggling crisis in Colombia.?
The whisky market in Colombia, valued at USD 400-500 million, faces severe challenges due to rampant smuggling, with 30-40% of whisky consumed being illicit. This illegal trade, exacerbated by economic conditions and high taxation, results in significant tax losses and risks to public health. Organised crime, sophisticated evasion methods and regulatory hurdles further complicate enforcement efforts, undermining legitimate businesses.?
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A piece of cake: The evolving business of Quincea?era parties.
Quincea?era parties in Latin America are a culturally significant and economically impactful sector akin to weddings. These elaborate celebrations mark a girl’s transition to womanhood, with families investing heavily—costs can exceed USD 30,000. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry is resilient, showing strong growth, especially in Mexico and Colombia, with rising trends in personalised and tech-enhanced events.?
Brazil’s climate role: Genuine action or mere show??
Brazil is grappling with severe climate challenges, including catastrophic floods in the south and unprecedented drought in the Amazon, exacerbated by deforestation. While deforestation has slowed under President Lula’s administration, the country still faces difficulties balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth. As Brazil prepares to host COP30 in 2025, global attention will focus on its environmental commitments.?
Thank you to our contributor,?Marc Flo-Martín.?Marc is a sales and business development executive with extensive international experience, particularly in Brazil, where he has lived and worked for a decade. He holds a Master’s in International Business from ESCI – Pompeu Fabra and completed the PMD Executive Programme at IESE Business School. Additionally, Marc is involved in international business consulting and has lectured at INSA Business School in Barcelona.
Internship opportunity at Deheza, the leading strategic intelligence firm for LatAm.
? What we’re offering
An enriching 4-week internship placement at Deheza, where you will gain first-hand experience in research, analysis and strategy support for our Fortune 100 and multinational clients, with a particular focus on M&A, ESG issues and government relations across Latin America and the Caribbean.
? When and for how long
The internship lasts four weeks and has flexible start dates. You will be required to come to our London office once a week.
? What you’ll do
? Assist in research and analysis for live projects.
? Contribute an article for our online platform,?Tidings.
? Collaborate with senior team members, gaining insights and honing your research, editing and writing skills.
? Who’s the ideal candidate
A Master’s degree is a must and proficiency in Spanish will be highly beneficial. We are looking for proactive and detail-oriented individuals with a strong interest in Latin American and Caribbean affairs. Candidates should possess excellent research and writing skills and a keen interest in strategic intelligence and consultancy work.
? What you’ll gain
? Hands-on experience with real-world projects.
? Valuable insights from industry experts.
? An opportunity to sharpen your attention to detail and improve your professional skills.
? Comprehensive feedback and references to aid your career growth.
? Retributions and expenses
We offer a fixed payment at the end of the placement. Additionally, we will cover the cost of tube or short train travel to our London offices.
? How to apply and the deadline
To apply, please email your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected] by 30th September.
Good luck!