Brazil: Brazil may redirect farm exports after US-China trade deal
On 18 May, Reuters reported that Brazil may redirect some of its agricultural exports to other global markets after the new trade agreement between the United States and China. Under the deal, China is expected to increase imports of US farm products such as soybeans, corn, meat and cotton. Analysts said this could reduce Chinese demand for some Brazilian agricultural exports. Experts said Brazil may increase exports to other regions where US products become less available because of larger shipments to China. Brazil remains one of the world’s biggest exporters of soybeans and beef and is expected to produce a record soybean harvest of more than 180 million tonnes in 2026. Reports also said Brazil could increase beef exports to the United States if American supplies become tighter due to rising exports to China. The developments reflect changing global agricultural trade patterns following the latest US-China trade agreement and growing competition among major agricultural exporters.(“Brazil may re-route farm export flows amid US-China deal,” Reuters, 18 May 2026).https://www.reuters.com/world/china/brazil-may-re-route-farm-export-flows-amid-us-china-deal-2026-05-18/
 
Brazil: Volkswagen raises concerns over growing Chinese competition in Brazil
On 18 May, Reuters reported that Volkswagen raised concerns about increasing competition from Chinese car companies in Brazil. The company said cheaper Chinese electric and hybrid vehicles were affecting the resale value of Volkswagen cars in the Brazilian market. Volkswagen Brazil chief Ciro Possobom said Chinese companies were expanding aggressively in Brazil but Volkswagen would not start a price war. Reports said Chinese automakers have rapidly increased their presence in Brazil by selling affordable electric and hybrid vehicles. Volkswagen also said the Iran conflict had created some direct and indirect supply chain problems. The company stated that it had started transporting some components by air because of uncertainty in shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Volkswagen said the disruptions were still manageable and were not expected to seriously affect production or vehicle prices. Volkswagen also said its sales performance in Brazil remained strong with April 2026 sales showing better results than the company’s first quarter performance. (“Volkswagen flags Chinese competition in Brazil, sees limited Iran impact,” Reuters, 18 May 2026).https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/volkswagen-flags-chinese-competition-brazil-sees-limited-iran-impact-2026-05-18/
 
Brazil: Omnia and Casa dos Ventos sign $2 billion deal for TikTok data centre
On 18 May, Reuters reported that Omnia, a data centre company backed by Patria Investments signed a $2 billion energy supply agreement with renewable energy company Casa dos Ventos for a major data centre project linked to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. The project is being developed at the Pecem port complex in Ceara in northeastern Brazil and is currently the country’s largest data centre project. Reports said the project could receive total investments of around BRL 200 billion (USD 39.8 billion). The electricity for the data centre will mainly come from wind energy projects in Ceara and Piaui. Construction began earlier in 2026 while operations are expected to begin gradually from 2027. The agreement highlights Brazil’s growing role as a regional centre for renewable energy-powered data centres and digital infrastructure. Reports also said the project could strengthen Brazil’s position in technology and artificial intelligence sectors. (“Brazil’s Omnia, Casa dos Ventos sign $2 billion energy deal for TikTok data center,” Reuters, 18 May 2026).https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/brazils-omnia-casa-dos-ventos-sign-2-billion-energy-deal-tiktok-data-center-2026-05-18/

Venezuela: Students protest after deaths of political prisoner and his mother
On 18 May, AP News reported that students and activists protested in Caracas after the deaths of political prisoner Víctor Hugo Quero and his mother, Carmen Navas. Quero had been detained in January 2025 on politically related charges and died in custody in July 2025 but authorities informed his family about his death only months later. Prison officials said he died from respiratory failure while receiving medical treatment. Reports said Carmen Navas who was 82 years old spent months visiting prisons and government offices searching for information about her son before authorities finally confirmed his death. She died 10 days later. Following the news protesters briefly blocked a highway in Caracas and demanded justice and accountability from the government. Demonstrators also accused authorities of hiding information about political detainees. Human rights organisation Foro Penal said more than 400 people are currently imprisoned in Venezuela for political reasons. The protests increased criticism of the Venezuelan government over the treatment of political prisoners and prison conditions. (“Students protest in Venezuela after deaths of political prisoner and his mother,” AP News, 18 May 2026).https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-political-prisoner-mother-death-demonstration-004e042daebe7426e68ee8d9df3242c5

Cuba: Diaz-Canel Warns US Action Could Trigger ‘Bloodbath’
On 18 May, Reuters reported that Miguel Díaz-Canel warned any US military action against Cuba would lead to a “bloodbath” and serious consequences for regional stability. His remarks followed a report by Axios, claiming that Cuba had acquired more than 300 military drones and discussed possible attacks on US targets. Havana rejected the claims, calling them fabricated. Further criticised that US would use such false claims to justify military action and sanctions. This has fueled the ongoing tensions. Reports also suggested that Washington may move ahead with charges against Raúl Castro over a past incident, which could further escalate the situation. Cuba continues to face deep economic strain with fuel shortages and power cuts. At the ground level, there is a strong sense of resistance. Some residents spoke about resisting any external attack, while others prefer dialogue and negotiations.("Cuba warns US military action would cause 'bloodbath' after drone report," Reuters, 18 May 2026)https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/cuba-warns-us-military-action-would-cause-bloodbath-after-drone-report-2026-05-18/

Cuba: US Expands Sanctions on Political and Military Leadership
On 19 May, Reuters reported that the United States imposed new sanctions on senior political and military leaders in Cuba. It is an attempt to increase pressure on the government in Havana. The sanctions target key officials in institutions such as the intelligence agency and interior ministry. Washington accuses these institutions of repression and control over the population. The move is followed by earlier restrictions on fuel supplies and broader economic measures that have already strained the Cuban economy. A recent executive order now allows the US to impose secondary sanctions on foreign entities dealing with key Cuban sectors, which leads to further pressure. Washington has framed the sanctions as a response to governance failures and elite control, but Cuba sees them as part of a long-standing effort to destabilise its system. Following this, tensions continue to build over the possible indictment against former leader Raúl Castro.("US targets Cuban political, military leaders with new sanctions," Reuters, 19 May 2026)https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-targets-cuban-political-military-leaders-with-new-sanctions-2026-05-18/

Cuba: US pushes for reforms as aid offer and indictment plans advance
On 15 May, Reuters reported that the CIA chief visited Havana, hinting limited engagement. The US said it is willing to cooperate on economic and security matters, but only if Cuba makes fundamental political and economic changes. Simultaeneously, Washington is preparing to indict former Cuban leader Raul Castro over the 1996 aircraft shootdown case, which is likely to add more pressure to the relationship. Alongside this, the US has offered USD 100 million in humanitarian aid with certain conditions attached. Cuba has reacted cautiously, saying it is open to assistance if it follows international norms. They also stated that lifting sanctions would do more to ease the crisis. Meanwhile, the situation on the island has worsened, with fuel shortages and long power cuts affecting daily life across the island. Overall, the possibility of the situation easing looks out of reach, but can be achieved through communication and negotiation.
("US plans to indict Cuba's Raul Castro, US DOJ official says", Reuters, 15 May 2026; "Cuba mulls US offer of $100 million in aid but wary of Trump's motives, blockade", Reuters, 15 May 2026; "US plans to indict Cuba's Raul Castro, US DOJ official says", Reuters, 15 May 2026)

Bolivia: Clashes take place during protests demanding president’s resignation

On 14 May, Reuters reported that clashes broke out in Bolivia’s capital La Paz during protests led by mining groups demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz. Explosions were heard during the march as protesters reportedly used sticks of dynamite while trying to reach Plaza Murillo, the city’s main political square. Police used tear gas to stop demonstrators from entering the area. The protests were linked to Bolivia’s worsening economic and fuel crisis. Mining groups, farmers and other unions demanded better access to fuel and explosives, changes in mining contracts and economic relief measures. Road blockades and protests in different parts of the country also caused shortages of food, medical supplies and oxygen for hospitals. Government officials said they were willing to hold talks with protest leaders. Authorities also accused opposition groups and former president Evo Morales of encouraging the unrest. (“Explosions heard during Bolivia march by mining groups calling for resignation,” Reuters, 14 May 2026).https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/explosions-heard-during-bolivia-march-by-mining-groups-calling-resignation-2026-05-14/ 

Mexico: Authorities investigate deaths of six migrants in Texas train boxcar

On 14 May, Reuters reported that authorities in Texas were investigating the deaths of six migrants found inside a railroad boxcar in Laredo near the US-Mexico border. Officials said the victims who were from Mexico and Honduras likely died because of extreme heat while travelling in very high temperatures. A 14 year old boy was also among the victims. Investigators believe the migrants boarded the freight train in Del Rio, Texas, as part of a suspected human smuggling operation. The train later reached Laredo where temperatures were around 97°F (36°C). Officials said no survivors were found inside the boxcar. Federal authorities including Homeland Security Investigations are leading the investigation. Officials described the incident as another example of the dangers faced by migrants during human smuggling operations along the US-Mexico border. (“Deaths of six migrants in Texas railcar investigated as human smuggling,” Reuters, 14 May 2026).https://www.reuters.com/world/us/deaths-six-migrants-texas-railcar-investigated-human- 

Venezuela-Guyana: Guyana raises concerns after border shooting incidents

On 14 May, AP News reported that Guyana protested to Venezuela after reported shooting incidents near the disputed Essequibo region. Guyanese authorities said Venezuelan forces fired at soldiers patrolling the Cuyuni River area, injuring one soldier. Guyana’s Foreign Ministry asked Venezuela to investigate the incidents and prevent similar events in the future. The tensions come as both countries continue their legal dispute at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the resource-rich Essequibo region which contains large reserves of oil, gold and other minerals. Guyana says an 1899 border ruling legally gave the territory to Guyana, while Venezuela argues that the decision was unfair and wants the issue resolved through direct talks. The dispute has become more serious in recent years after major oil discoveries in the region and continues to increase tensions between Venezuela and Guyana. (“Guyana presses Venezuela on border gunfire as they vie over an energy-rich region,” AP News, 14 May 2026).https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-guyana-essequibo-court-dispute-9c15f052e5841637cb5e799a5694a252 El Salvador: Deportations rise as Bukele aligns with US immigration policy
On 14 May, Latin News reported that deportations of Salvadorans from the United States have nearly doubled in early 2026. Around 5,000 people were sent back between January and March, compared to about 2,500 in the same period last year. This increase comes as Nayib Bukele has aligned his government more closely with US immigration priorities. Bukele has supported stricter deportation rules and has also agreed to accept third-country nationals as part of arrangements with Washington. The rise in deportations is placing pressure on El Salvador, as many return with limited resources from abroad.Non-governmental organisations have raised concerns that assistance programmes are under pressure, especially in sectors like housing, jobs, and basic services.While migration from El Salvador had declined in recent years due to improved security conditions, economic challenges continue to drive people to migrate.
("U.S. Deportations to El Salvador Nearly Doubled in First Months of 2026 as Bukele Aligns With Trump", The Latin Times, 2026)

Costa Rica: India Set to Open Embassy to Boost Cooperation and Investment
On 14 May, EFE reported that India is set to open an embassy in Costa Rica to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties. The move has been described as a significant step in bilateral relations. It further reflects the growing cooperation between the two countries. Costa Rica has maintained an embassy in India since 2010.Considering this, India is set to open an embassy and this development is expected to deepen engagement further. India is seen as an important global partner, especially in areas such as technology, digital services, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Trade between the two countries has also grown steadily over the past decade.The opening of the embassy is expected to improve cooperation, expand investment opportunities, and enhance ties between the two countries.
("India to open embassy in Costa Rica with the aim of more cooperation and investment", EFE, 14 May 2026)