Good morning,

One quick headline this morning

🇩🇿 Diplomats’ Expulsion Increases Algeria-French Tensions

Algeria has ordered 12 French embassy officials to leave the country within 48 hours, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot linked the expulsions to Friday's indictment of three Algerians in Paris, including a consular official accused of involvement in the 2024 abduction of Amir Boukhors, a prominent government critic with over one million online followers. The diplomatic row threatens to derail recent reconciliation efforts between the countries, with Barrot warning that France would "respond immediately" if Algeria proceeds with the expulsions. This incident follows several others straining French-Algerian relations, including Algeria's previous ambassador recall after France supported Morocco's claim to Western Sahara. More - BBC

Americas Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇧 Barbados, 🇧🇿 Belize, 🇧🇴 Bolivia, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇩🇲 Dominica, 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇸🇻 El Salvador, 🇬🇩 Grenada, 🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇬🇾 Guyana, 🇭🇹 Haiti, 🇭🇳 Honduras, 🇯🇲 Jamaica, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇳🇮 Nicaragua, 🇵🇦 Panama, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia, 🇸🇷 Suriname, 🇧🇸 The Bahamas, 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago, 🇺🇸 United States Of America, 🇻🇪 Venezuela

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇵🇾 Paraguay, 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis, 🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 🇺🇾 Uruguay

Regional News Summary

Brazil is currently navigating a complex economic landscape, capitalizing on trade tensions between the United States and China. The country's coffee exports have surged by 20% year-on-year, as U.S. tariffs create opportunities for Brazilian producers. Additionally, Brazil has seen a remarkable 24% increase in soybean exports to China in the first quarter of 2025, reshaping global trade dynamics [SOURCE - Economic Times].

In a notable shift, Brazil's industrial sector has climbed to 25th place globally after decades of decline, signaling a potential resurgence in manufacturing [SOURCE - Rio Times]. However, the reinstatement of visa requirements for U.S., Canadian, and Australian citizens may dampen tourism prospects [SOURCE - Rio Times].

On the political front, President Lula's attendance at Moscow's WWII victory celebrations indicates a strengthening of ties with Russia [SOURCE - RT]. Meanwhile, Brazil's Minister is leveraging U.S. trade bravado to negotiate better deals with China, aiming to bolster economic relations with the Asian powerhouse [SOURCE - Financial Post].

In business developments, Mercado Libre has committed $5.8 billion to enhance Brazil's e-commerce sector, while Leonardo Helicopters is planning local production expansion, which is expected to create jobs and invigorate the manufacturing industry [SOURCE - Rio Times].

Despite these positive trends, Brazil is grappling with persistent inflation, particularly in food prices, which poses challenges to economic stability [SOURCE - Rio Times].

Turning to Mexico, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has hinted at potential reciprocal tariffs on U.S. goods in response to ongoing trade tensions, while Samsung has found a workaround by manufacturing displays in Mexico [SOURCE - The Sun].

In the realm of security, the Trump administration's consideration of drone strikes against Mexican drug cartels has raised alarms, with Mexico firmly rejecting unilateral military action [SOURCE - Japan Today].

Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to exert pressure on Venezuela, revoking licenses for BP and Shell projects in Venezuelan waters, further straining the country's already beleaguered oil industry [SOURCE - Financial Times]. The economic crisis in Venezuela is deepening, with a growing exchange rate gap and predictions of hyperinflation [SOURCE - Caracas Chronicles].

In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro's controversial suggestion to legalize cocaine has sparked significant debate, while the country grapples with rising violent crime and social unrest [SOURCE - El País].

Carpe tomorrow!