The new conservative governments are seeking closer ties with Washington without severing relations with Beijing. For Europe, this opens up new opportunities as a trade and investment partner.

The new conservative to right-wing populist governments are ideologically closer to the U.S. than their left-wing predecessors. At the same time, they are unlikely to want to do without Europe as a player between Washington and Beijing.

Geopolitics is elevating the continent’s role as a business location and trade partner. With trade agreements with Mexico and Mercosur, the EU has now positioned itself strategically.

Legislative proposals for the treaty have been submitted to the Mercosur parliaments. In Brazil, the agricultural sector wants improvements, and Argentina has concluded a trade agreement with the US that conflicts with the agreement with the EU.

The economic outlook for 2026 is stable and slightly positive. Politically, the continent is facing a change of direction due to several elections. The influence of geopolitics is likely to increase further.

Trump has “only” imposed the reciprocal minimum tariff of 10 percent on almost all South American countries. What is the reason for this and what consequences could it have for the region?

President Milei has stabilized the country in a serious crisis. Now he must continue his reform course. A further recovery of the continent’s second largest economy would be important for South America.

The IMF’s latest forecasts for the region’s economies are cautiously optimistic. And this is where the country with the highest growth worldwide is located.

Many Argentinians wish that the president’s reform program would succeed. He has also become the new beacon of hope for German business and politics.

After the re-election of Nayib Bukule, his policy of a firm hand against crime but also the rule of law could find imitators in the region.