CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA

Shortly after announcing framework technical requirements setting forth minimum standards for construction products sold in the country, Argentinean authorities have unveiled specific quality and safety technical requirements for all types and classes of cement for construction purposes. More

Brazil's medium-term outlook will depend on the success of the current fiscal adjustments and the enactment of growth-enhancing reforms. Great progress has also been achieved in reducing deforestation in the rainforest and other sensitive biomes. Brazil faces a weak growth outlook in the medium term. Uncertainty over reforms will keep investment subdued over the coming quarters, weighing on growth. More

Chile has been one of Latin America’s fastest-growing economies in recent decades, enabling the country to significantly reduce poverty. Growth is expected to recover during 2018-2020 as private-sector prospects improve and copper prices rise. Chile will continue to rely heavily on commodity export earnings, a significant structural weakness. Although Chile will begin to move away from copper dependence, the economy will remain exposed to copper prices shocks for years to come. More

Brazilian authorities recently greenlighted the elimination of the eight percent duty currently in place on insecticides formulated from certain specific active ingredients. More