Tag: Americas
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US President Donald Trump signed a $1.2 trillion (£880 billion) government funding bill on Tuesday (3 February), ending a partial US government shutdown that began earlier this week. The spending package passed the House of Representatives by 217–214 and had already cleared the Senate. The legislation funds most federal agencies until the end of the…
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Truckers and merchants gathered at the Colombia–Ecuador border on Tuesday (3 February) to protest a growing trade dispute between the two nations. Protesters called on their governments to remove 30% tariffs on dozens of goods, warning the measures could harm border economies and energy companies. Key developments: • Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa imposed tariffs on…
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China and Uruguay have expanded their comprehensive strategic partnership after President Yamandú Orsi met President Xi Jinping in Beijing, signing multiple cooperation agreements across science, technology, and trade. Orsi described the visit as part of Uruguay’s strategy to strengthen international engagement and support long-term national development. President Xi Jinping emphasised cooperation towards a multipolar world…
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Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz is planning sweeping economic reforms aimed at expanding mining and oil exploration and attracting foreign investment, marking a shift from nearly two decades of socialist-led governance. Paz said new laws will introduce 50-50 risk-sharing partnerships with foreign investors to develop Bolivia’s natural resources, including lithium, silver and tin. Contracts signed under…
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Laura Fernández, a political scientist and former senior official, has won Costa Rica’s presidential election, securing an apparent first-round victory, according to preliminary results released by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. At 39, Fernández becomes the country’s second female president, benefiting from the popularity of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who is constitutionally barred from re-election. Key…
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Costa Rica votes in a tightly watched presidential election on Sunday (1 February) as the ruling movement aligned with outgoing president Rodrigo Chaves, President of Costa Rica, seeks to retain power amid voter apathy and a fragmented opposition. Polling suggests continuity candidate Laura Fernández, former minister and chief of staff, is leading, but a large…
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Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced plans for a sweeping general amnesty law, covering political violence from 1999 to the present, weeks after the US-led removal of Nicolás Maduro. Speaking at the Supreme Court of Justice, Rodríguez said the proposal aims to restore justice, ease political tensions, and reform the judiciary. She also outlined…
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US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on all Canadian imports if Ottawa proceeds with a proposed trade arrangement with China. In a post on Truth Social Mr Trump said: “If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a “Drop Off Port” for China to send goods and products…
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Colombia has announced a suspension of electricity exports to Ecuador and a 30% tariff on 20 Ecuadorian products, escalating a trade and security dispute between the neighbours. The move follows Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa’s decision to impose a 30% “security charge” on Colombian goods from 1 February, citing a trade deficit and insufficient cooperation on…
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Ecuador will impose a 30% “security tariff” on imports from Colombia from 1 February 2026, citing cross-border drug trafficking and illegal mining, President Daniel Noboa has announced. In a social media statement, Noboa said the measure would remain until Colombia demonstrates “real commitment” to joint enforcement, arguing Ecuador faces a trade deficit exceeding $1bn while…
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