Stories for August 2016

Tuesday, August 2nd 2016 - 06:52 UTC
Mercosur in a state of disarray; Venezuela's presidency disavowed by Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay

Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay have announced they do not support Venezuela as the pro tempore presidency of Mercosur, further deepening controversy in the group which could even hinder ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union and closer links with the Pacific Alliance.
Tuesday, August 2nd 2016 - 06:43 UTC
As Olympics opening Day approaches, Brazilians take to the streets to protest

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Brazil on Sunday, some calling for the permanent ouster of suspended President Dilma Rousseff and others demanding her return to office.Rousseff was impeached and suspended in May for allegedly violating budget laws. A Senate trial on permanently removing her is expected in late August.
Tuesday, August 2nd 2016 - 06:35 UTC
Temer hails beef agreement with the US; expects sales to reach US$ 1b next year

Brazil's acting president, Michel Temer, on Monday hailed the opening of the U.S. market to Brazilian beef, saying that it will help create new jobs and will expand trade for Latin America's largest economy.
Tuesday, August 2nd 2016 - 06:24 UTC
UBS optimistic about evolution of Brazilian economic activity in second half of 2016

Things are looking up for the Brazilian economy - but it won't be due to the Olympic games starting this week, according to a UBS report published last Friday.
Tuesday, August 2nd 2016 - 06:19 UTC
US and Brazil agree to open each others' beef market

The United States and Brazil have agreed to allow access to each other's beef markets after more than a decade of negotiations. Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply has agreed to imports of U.S. beef for the first time in 13 years, USDA announced today. And the U.S. will accept Brazilian beef for the first time since 1999.
Tuesday, August 2nd 2016 - 06:07 UTC
China's leading role in Argentina reviewed and confirmed by Macri

China’s role in Argentina’s foreign relations will be more balanced than during the Kirchner administrations, with a larger role played instead by the United States and European countries, the country’s ambassador to Beijing Diego Guelar said, claiming Chinese investment will have to be more competitive.
Monday, August 1st 2016 - 13:52 UTC
Temer inaugurates much delayed metro line in Rio to the Olympic events

Brazilian interim President Michel Temer on Saturday inaugurated a new Rio de Janeiro metro line that runs from Barra da Tijuca, the neighborhood that is home to most of the Olympic venues, to the city's southern tourist zone.
Monday, August 1st 2016 - 13:27 UTC
Ecclestone's mother-in-law freed by Brazilian special anti-kidnapping division

Formula One tycoon Bernie Ecclestone's mother-in-law has been freed without ransom after being kidnapped in Brazil last week, say police. Aparecida Schunk , 67, the mother of Ecclestone's Brazilian wife Fabiana Flosi, was snatched last Saturday near her home in Sao Paulo.
Monday, August 1st 2016 - 13:16 UTC
US economy grows at slower pace in second quarter despite strong consumer spending

The United States economy grew at a much slower pace than expected in the second quarter and GDP was revised down in the first three months of the year. The world's largest economy grew at an annual rate of 1.2% in the three months to June, far below forecasts of 2.6%, Growth for the first quarter was revised down from 1.1% to 0.8%.
Monday, August 1st 2016 - 13:09 UTC
Venezuela announces it now holds the chair of Mercosur; strong objections from Paraguay (and Brazil)

Venezuela announced to fellow Mercosur members that for the rest of the year it was the new chair of the group, following on the expiration of Uruguay's six month mandate on Saturday, 30 July. The news was released by Spain's official news agency EFE, which alleges to have had access to the letter sent by the Venezuelan foreign ministry to the other four members.