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?

Because of Trump, the region will seek to expand relations with other partners. China in particular will benefit from this, but Europe also has the opportunity to strengthen cooperation.

The country is currently readjusting its position in global politics. This could become a strategic advantage for the most important investment location for the German economy in South America.

At present, China could significantly expand its political influence in South America. There are a number of important events coming up in the second half of the year.

The country has the largest lithium reserves in the world. However, Western companies have not yet been able to get their hands on them. Companies from China and Russia are further ahead. Now Bolivia could become part of the BRICS.

The future president and her party will have more power than most of her predecessors. The financial markets are reacting nervously to this. German companies continue to back the country.

Hopes for the positive effects of nearshoring were high, but the reality so far has been different. Western companies are hardly relocating, but China is seizing the opportunity.

Brazil is becoming the blueprint for expansion in the industrial value chains and in R&D. This is competition for Western companies in particular.

The country continues to rely on an investment boom due to the decoupling of the USA from China. The potential has only been partially exploited.

A free trade zone has just been agreed with Singapore and Uruguay wants to open up to China, while the EU and EFTA are holding back.