Stories for 2020

Friday, January 31st 2020 - 10:04 UTC
Thousands of tourists isolated in cruise vessel for fears of coronavirus

More than 6,000 tourists were under lockdown aboard a cruise ship at an Italian port on Thursday after two Chinese passengers were isolated over fears they could be carrying the coronavirus.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:58 UTC
Brazilian Executive and Congress pledge to pass “administrative reform” bill

Brazil’s government will submit a bill that would reduce public sector costs and benefits and make it easier to fire workers to Congress “in a week or two,” Economy Minister Paulo Guedes said on Thursday.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:52 UTC
Coronavirus: US warns its citizens not to travel to China, listed at same level as Afghanistan and Iraq

The U.S. government warned Americans not to travel to China as the death toll from a new coronavirus reached 213 on Friday and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:48 UTC
Heavy rains and flooding forecasted for Asuncion, Paraguay and Porto Alegre, Brazil

Although flooding rain has already hit parts of Brazil so far in 2020, more rain and flooding could strike the southern part of the country in the coming week. In addition to southern Brazil, other parts of South America may also be threatened.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:45 UTC
Petrobras asks Sao Paulo stock exchange to withdraw it from good governance certification

Brazilian state-run oil firm Petrobras said it has asked to withdraw its participation in a program certifying good governance and limited political interference in state companies set up by the Sao Paulo stock exchange.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:36 UTC
Coronavirus: WHO declares global health emergency, praises China for efforts to combat the outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday it was declaring the coronavirus outbreak that has killed 200 people in China a global emergency, as cases spread to at least 18 countries.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:35 UTC
Mexican economy contracted in 2019, first time in a decade; 2020 prospects weak

Mexico’s economy contracted last year for the first time in a decade, data showed on Thursday, as businesses curbed investment due to concern over the economic management of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and forecasts for 2020 are also weak.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:25 UTC
Coronavirus and current account deficit hit the Brazilian Real against the dollar

Brazil’s currency the Real hit a two-month low against the dollar on Thursday, slumping to within sight of its record low under a wave of global risk aversion on fears over the coronavirus outbreak and its diminishing yield appeal.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:22 UTC
Brazilian meatpackers believe the coronavirus outbreak in China will help in the long run

Brazil’s largest meatpackers JBS SA and BRF SA said that the coronavirus outbreak could help boost Chinese demand for their products, as it fans concerns about domestic food safety in China. However some also believe sales could be held back by aggressive demands for discounts from Chinese buyers.
Friday, January 31st 2020 - 08:02 UTC
Brazil streamlines trade team to ensure gains in the Chinese market

A Mandarin speaking trade specialist has been appointed by the Brazilian Agriculture ministry to boost exports to China, the world’s largest commodities market. Larissa Wachholz, 36, who holds a masters degree from the Renmin University of China, was tapped in December by the Brazilian agriculture ministry to lead a trade unit dedicated to the Asian country, the first of its kind in Brazil.