Canada’s Trade Surplus With the US Widens
Canada's August exports to the US rose 8.1% and imports fell 2.5%, widening its surplus while Washington declines to restart trade talks.
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Port Harcourt Refinery Strike Tests Nigeria’s Fuel Future
A wage dispute at the Port Harcourt refinery shows why Nigeria's state-owned plants still struggle to compete with Dangote and cut fuel imports.
Ukraine EU Agriculture Limits Proposed, Who Gains
Brussels proposed special accession terms that could cap Ukrainian farm exports and subsidies, shifting grain flows toward Brazil and Argentina.
USA & Canada Intelligence Brief — Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Rio Times · USA & Canada Intelligence Brief October 7, 2026 — Trump says no hurry on Canada trade talks; Canadian surplus with US nearly doubles to C$11.2 billion; C$35.2 billion Pacific Link pipeline designated national interest.
Europe Intelligence Brief — Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Rio Times · Europe Intelligence Brief October 7, 2026 — Russia launched 70 missiles and 130 drones at Ukraine, killing 11; EU disbursed US$3.2 billion to Kyiv; ambassadors agreed sanctions on 743 individuals and 826 organisations.
Asia Intelligence Brief — Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Rio Times · Asia Intelligence Brief October 7, 2026 — China rejects UN human-rights criticism as politically motivated; Asian markets retreat on oil and Gulf risk; India awaits a hawkish rate signal; Taiwan receives first F-16V Block 70 jets.
Africa Intelligence Brief — Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Rio Times · Africa Intelligence Brief October 7, 2026 — Nigeria counts its military losses after the Ondo crash; Kenya reports its first Ebola death with 28 contacts traced; South Africa's migration tension moves to Durban.
Ecuador to Use Palantir on Betting Money From January
Ecuador will use software from Palantir, the US data firm, from January to detect money laundering in sports betting, a senior official said.
Peruvian Widow Seeks Answers on 29 September ICE Death
A 47-year-old Peruvian father of two died in ICE custody in Louisiana on 29 September. The cause is unknown, and his wife is now demanding answers.
Panama Canal Will Auction 558 Slots for Dry Season
The Panama Canal will auction 558 long-term transit slots for January to April 2027, adding its older Panamax locks for the first time as El Niño looms.
Dominican Republic Says Renewables Drew US$900 Million
Dominican renewable energy drew about US$900 million in foreign investment in early 2026, the energy minister said, as the country targets storage.
Argentina Economists See a 1% Quarterly Contraction
Forecasters polled by Argentina's central bank expect a 1.0% third-quarter contraction and cut 2026 growth to 1.5%, yet dollar bonds rallied on Tuesday.
São Paulo Nightlife Tonight: A Flock of Seagulls, Janis Tribute — October 7, 2026
A Flock of Seagulls at Cine Joia, a Janis Joplin tribute on Paulista and Duvivier comedy in Barra Funda, with rain, prices and transport tips for Wednesday.
Rio de Janeiro Nightlife Tonight: Coisa de Rico, Free Festival Films — October 7, 2026
A Leblon theatre show, a Gávea concert with orchestra and free Festival do Rio films in Botafogo, with rain, prices and transport tips for Wednesday.
Paraguay Growth Forecast Raised to 4.7% by World Bank
The World Bank raised its 2026 Paraguay growth forecast to 4.7%, over twice Latin America's 2.2%, citing security, fiscal discipline and investment.
Dominican Republic Hears 20 Supreme Court Hopefuls
Twenty Dominican Supreme Court candidates faced public hearings on Tuesday, as a council led by President Abinader seeks a new court president.
Brazil Corn Exports Drop 31% in September
Brazil shipped 5.21 million tonnes of corn in September, down 31% on a year earlier, as US farmers face a late harvest and US$5 corn.
Central African Republic Town Cites 30 Herbicide Deaths
More than 30 people have died after swallowing a farm weedkiller near Ngaoundaye, local leaders say, while the regional doctor has recorded fewer than ten.
Tanzania Fuel Prices Rise, Petrol Hits US$1.53 a Litre
Tanzania's energy regulator raised its October fuel caps, adding about 10 US cents a litre to petrol in Dar es Salaam as Middle East tensions lift world prices.
South Africa Mining Taxes Double to US$3 Billion
Higher gold and platinum prices have handed South Africa a mining tax windfall, easing pressure on public finances that US bond investors watch closely.
South Africa Road Accident Fund Eyes US$0.18 Fuel Levy
A bigger fuel levy for South Africa's Road Accident Fund would land on top of record pump prices, adding to costs for drivers, firms and visitors.
Sudan Gold Exports Top US$2.29 Billion in 9 Months
Sudan's state mining company says gold export earnings reached US$2.29 billion in nine months, well above all of 2025, while much gold is still smuggled.
Egypt Trims Budget Deficit as Growth Hits 5.1%
Egypt's economy grew 5.1% and its budget deficit narrowed, the World Bank says, but it still needs about US$28 billion in external financing by December.
Nigeria Emefiele Trial Probes US$94 Million Withdrawal
A witness at the Emefiele trial in Abuja said Nigeria's central bank withdrew about US$94 million from the federal account without the finance ministry knowing.
Morocco’s Dirham Drops 6.5% Against Dollar Since August
Morocco's currency has fallen 6.5% against the US dollar since late July, making the country cheaper for American visitors and US goods dearer for Moroccans.
Idrissa Gueye Explained 2026: From Everton to Saudi Club Diriyah
Idrissa Gueye explained: the 37-year-old Senegal midfielder has won two African titles, captained his side at the 2026 World Cup and now plays for Diriyah.
Nigeria Offers 40 Oil Blocks in New Licensing Round
Nigeria has put 40 oil and gas blocks up for bidding and will make every bidder name its real owners, a test of reforms watched by US oil investors.
Juba Retail Ban Hits Ugandans, but No 7-Day Expulsion
Juba's commissioner told foreigners, Ugandans included, to leave retail trade to South Sudanese, then denied reports of a 7-day order to leave.
Central African Republic Explained, a Fragile Peace in 2026
A guide to the Central African Republic in 2026: who runs it, the fragile peace, Wagner and the UN, hunger, the CFA franc and the US deportation deal.
Moving to Antigua and Barbuda 2026, Step by Step
Americans need no visa for Antigua and remote workers can stay two years, but a US$230,000 passport now faces US visa curbs and a 2028 EU deadline.
Chile’s Rent Unit Rose 0.6% Before Inflation Data
Chile’s UF, the unit behind many rents, rose about 0.6% in a month. September inflation arrives on 8 October and sets its next path.
Peru Rate Decision 7 Oct With Lima Inflation at 4.55%
Peru’s central bank has held its rate at 4.25% for 12 months while Lima inflation reached 4.55%. A decision is due on 7 October.
LatAm Expat & Nomad Daily Guide for Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Your Wednesday guide: Peru’s rate decision, Chile’s firmer peso and rent unit, and 18 days to Brazil’s runoff, with the day’s exchange rates.
Latin America Sports Daily for Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Flamengo lead the Brasileirão by three points as round 29 returns. Botafogo host Vasco in the Rio derby; Libertadores semi-finals are on 14 and 15 October.
São Paulo Daily Brief — Wednesday, October 7, 2026
São Paulo Daily Brief for Wednesday 7 October 2026: weather, museums, sport, transport and today's best pick for expats and digital nomads.
Rio de Janeiro Daily Brief — Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Your Rio de Janeiro daily brief for Wednesday, October 7: real weather, open cultural venues, the runoff election story and markets in words only.
Latin American Pulse for Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Latin America Pulse: Brazil's right is euphoric after the first round, Argentina says goodbye to Messi, and Chile and Peru face slow growth and El Niño.
S&P 500 Closes at Record 7,819 Before Fed Minutes | Global Economy, Oct 7
US stocks hit a record, oil holds near US$100 after the G7 reserve release, and Fed minutes arrive today. What it means for Brazil and Latin America.
LatAm Opens After Ibovespa’s 0.5% Dip | Pre-Open, Oct 7
Latin America opens after the Ibovespa fell 0.52% on Tuesday, with oil near US$90 a barrel, Fed minutes due at 2 pm ET and Peru's central bank deciding.
Selic Bets Steer B3 After Ibovespa’s 0.5% Dip | Morning Call, Oct 7
The Selic at 13.75%, Copom's 4 November decision, car sales and IGP-DI inflation set the tone for Brazil's open after Tuesday's 0.52% Ibovespa dip.
Corn Fund Gains 2.1% as Soy, Wheat Rise | Grains, Oct 6
Grain funds rose on 6 October, with wheat supported by Black Sea disruption. USDA crop and supply reports are due on Friday 9 October.
Steel ETF Slips 0.1% as Ternium Falls 1.7% | Steel, Oct 6
Latin American steel shares fell on 6 October as cheap Chinese imports and weak demand weigh on margins. Ternium, Gerdau and CSN all lost ground in New York.
Zinc Holds Near US$3,740 as Peru Output Falls 12% | Zinc, Oct 6
Zinc held near US$3,740 a tonne as Peru, the second-largest miner, produced 12% less zinc. Weak Chinese steel output limits demand for the metal.
Vale ADR Falls 0.5% as China Steel Output Drops | Iron Ore, Oct 6
Iron ore proxies fell on 6 October as China's crude steel output dropped 3.7% in August. Vale and CSN Mineração slipped while Rio Tinto rose.
Lithium ETF Gains 1.3% as Albemarle Rises 1.9% | Lithium, Oct 6
Lithium shares rose on 6 October without a price signal from China, which was on holiday. Chile's SQM and US-listed Albemarle gained as markets await Thursday.
Copper Fund Gains 0.4% as Southern Copper Lags | Copper, Oct 6
Copper edged up on 6 October as miners lagged the metal. Chile and Peru, which supply about a third of world mine output, depend on Chinese demand.
Gold Rises 0.4% to US$4,151 as Dollar Slips | Gold & Silver, Oct 6
Gold and silver gained on 6 October as the US dollar index fell 0.22% and Treasury yields eased. Fed minutes on Wednesday are next.
Brent Edges Up 0.7% to US$101 as Petrobras Falls | Oil, Oct 6
Oil edged up on 6 October as Saudi supply risk offset the G7 reserve release. The EIA sees Brent at US$105 in Q4; Latin American producers fell.
Peso Ends at 3,216 as Producer Prices Rise | Colombia Market Report, Oct 6
Colombia's peso swung between 3,172 and 3,244 per dollar before Wednesday's inflation data. Stocks had a strong Monday, when the COLCAP rose 2.69%.
Merval Gains 1% as Risk Falls to 573 | Argentina Market Report, Oct 6
Argentina's Merval gained 1% for a second day as country risk fell to 573 points, from 655 on Friday. The World Bank cut its 2026 growth view to 2.1%.
Panama Arrests Former Social Security Head in 5 Raids
Prosecutors in Panama arrested Enrique Lau Cortés, the former head of the social security fund, in a money-laundering and illicit-enrichment probe.
Uruguay Central Bank Says Dollar Savers Lost 6% a Year
Uruguay's central bank says 72% of private deposits are still in foreign currency, and that dollar savers lost about 6% a year in local buying power.
Brazil’s Rio May Skip 25 October Governor Runoff
Brazil's electoral prosecutors backed Anthony Garotinho's dropped appeal, so the Rio governor runoff may be cancelled and Douglas Ruas could win with 50.88%.
Paraguay Catches Cemetery Killing Suspect After 8 Days
Paraguay's police caught the last fugitive in the abduction of two young women after a rodeo festival, one of whom was shot dead in a cemetery.
Dominican Police Deny Kill Order After 55 Deaths
The Dominican police spokesman says there is no order to kill fugitives, after 55 of September's 125 homicides were deaths in alleged shootouts with officers.
World Bank Lifts Mexico Growth Forecast to 1.4%
Mexico's economy should grow 1.4% in 2026, the World Bank forecast on Tuesday, a small upgrade as policy uncertainty and trade friction weigh on investment.
Cuba Receives 700 US Aid Food Kits for Ciego de Ávila
Cáritas Cuba received 700 US-funded food kits and 700 hygiene kits on Tuesday 6 October, part of a US$100 million US aid fund run partly through the Church.
Guatemala Vows Press Protection After 2 October Murder
Guatemala promised to finish its press protection plan this year after a reporter was shot dead in Huehuetenango, a department the US says to avoid.
Bolivia Inflation Rises to 5.70% as Tomatoes Jump 38%
Consumer prices in Bolivia rose 0.85% in September, lifting 12-month inflation to 5.70% from 5.02%, as tomatoes jumped 38% and chicken fell 19%.
Costa Rica Probes US Drug Suspect at 1 February Party
Costa Rica will probe the political ties of Guobin Tam Zhang, a drug suspect held for extradition to the US, after he appeared at the president's victory party.
Ecuador Oil Pipeline Restarts 4 Days After Fire
Ecuador's main oil pipeline is pumping again four days after a fire, restoring crude for refineries and exports that bring US dollars into the economy.
Brazil Senate Opens Debate on Ending 6-Day Work Week
Brazil's Senate began debating an end to the 6-day work week on Tuesday 6 October, two days after an election that left its conservative opponents stronger.
Fuerza Regida Plays Mexico City From 31 January 2027
Fuerza Regida brings This Is Our Dream Tour to Mexico City's Palacio de los Deportes for eight nights from 31 January 2027. Tickets, venue and US visitor tips.
Nigeria Voter Roll Hits 103 Million Before Vote
Nigeria's voter register now tops 103 million, about 10 million more than in 2023, and 71% of voters are aged 35 or older, the electoral commission says.
Rwanda Nears US$35.7 Million IMF Payout
The Rwanda IMF review found the programme on track despite inflation of 15.7%, but the payout of about US$35.7 million still needs IMF board approval.
Ghana Names 20 Unlicensed Loan Apps to Avoid
The Bank of Ghana has named 20 more unlicensed loan apps, its third such list since August, and warned banks not to process their payments.
Morocco’s First F-16 Block 72 Jet Takes Flight
The first F-16 Block 72 fighter built for Morocco has made its maiden flight, Lockheed Martin said on Tuesday. It still faces flight tests before delivery.
OUTsurance Plans US$612 Million Minority Buyout
The OUTsurance buyout swaps new shares for a stake held by the founder, executives and staff, ending a two-layer structure before a vote on 24 November.
Kenya Signs Early US$3 Billion Electric Car Deal
President William Ruto witnessed a US$3 billion electric vehicle memorandum with Endelevu, partner of China's Geely, aiming at 50,000 cars a year in Kenya.
Gabon Gas Plant Nears US$209 Million Financing
Four development lenders, including a US agency, have completed their review of Gabon's Orinko gas power plant, which seeks about US$209 million from them.
Senegal Seeks Grants to Power 6,471 Villages
At a partners’ roundtable in Dakar on Tuesday, Senegal’s finance minister asked for grants and soft loans to fund a US$686 million power plan.
Nigeria Says Food Prices Fell Up to 50%, Data Differ
A minister claims some Nigerian staple food prices have dropped by up to 50%, but official statistics show food cost about a fifth more than a year ago.
Peru Jails Man for 15 Years for Aiding Shining Path
A Peruvian court sentenced a man to 15 years at first instance for aiding the Shining Path, whose leader carries a US reward of up to US$5 million.
Peru Sentences 4 Puno Police to 15 Years Over Cocaine
Four Puno police officers in Peru got 15 years in prison for keeping 80 packages of cocaine they intercepted in 2024, plus phones and about US$230 in cash.
Peru Sets 19 October Hearing on Shield of the Americas
Peruvian lawmakers voted unanimously to call in Foreign Minister Carlos Espá over the Shield of the Americas, a US-led pact that also covers critical minerals.
Lockheed Martin Scouts Moroccan Suppliers
The US maker of the F-16 is meeting Moroccan suppliers before the Marrakech Airshow to see which firms could join its supply chain. No deal has been announced.
Brazil Pollsters Face Inquiry Push After 4 October Miss
Deputy Nikolas Ferreira vows an inquiry into Brazil pollsters after five of six major final polls had Lula ahead, while Flávio Bolsonaro won the first round.
Mexico Exports to the US Hit Record US$60.6 Billion
US data show record imports from Mexico in August and a US$27.7 billion goods gap, the widest with any country, ahead of a 2027 trade pact review.
Peru’s Fujimori Seeks 29 October Visit to Bukele Prison
Keiko Fujimori wants to tour CECOT, where the US sent 252 Venezuelan deportees in 2025, and meet Nayib Bukele before a summit in Madrid.
Venezuela Odds on Machado Return Jump to 64.5%
Polymarket prices a 64.5% chance Machado enters Venezuela by 31 December, up 28.5 points in 24 hours. Kalshi shows 67%. Both markets are thinly traded.
Brazil’s First Runoff Polls Arrive on 8 October
No poll on Brazil’s 25 October runoff has appeared since the first round. Six nationwide surveys filed with the electoral court come out from 8 October.
Colombia Finds Drones Spying on Migrants, 24% Extorted
A joint report by Colombia's and Ecuador's human rights ombudsmen finds new gangs using drones to watch and extort migrants at the main border crossing.
Colombia Offers 17 Ex-Soldiers Legal Aid in Haiti Case
President Abelardo de la Espriella says Colombia will help defend 17 former soldiers held in the US over the 2021 murder of Haiti's president.
Mexico Arrests Sonora Doctor Over 8 Vitamin Drip Deaths
A doctor sought for months over eight deaths after vitamin drips in Sonora, the Mexican state just south of Arizona, turned himself in on 5 October.
Dominican Republic Charges 13 Over US Grandparent Scam
A Dominican court in Santiago must now decide whether 13 people and five companies face trial over phone scams that cost older Americans about US$5 million.
Peru Asks Congress for US$2.4 Billion as El Niño Looms
Peru wants about US$2.4 billion in extra 2026 spending, with US$169 million aimed directly at El Niño and more than half raised through new government bonds.
US Coast Guard Saves 61 Migrants Off Dominican Republic
A US Coast Guard cutter saved 61 migrants off the Dominican Republic, while 10 people from an earlier wreck near Mona Island are still missing.
Trump Calls Flávio Bolsonaro’s 47% Vote a Big Victory
Trump told reporters at the White House that Flávio Bolsonaro’s first-round lead over Lula was a big victory and predicted a very close runoff on 25 October.
Brazilian in ICE Costume at Miami Polls Faces 5 Charges
Deputies say a 46-year-old Brazilian wore an ICE costume at a Miami Dade College polling site to watch voters react. He is out on US$5,650 bond.
POSCO Opens 23,000-Tonne Lithium Plant in Argentina
POSCO opened its second Sal de Oro lithium plant in Argentina on Tuesday, a 23,000-tonne carbonate unit backed by US$207.9 million of approved RIGI investment.
Nedbank Golf Challenge Opens 3 December With DeChambeau
Bryson DeChambeau makes his debut at Africa's Major in Sun City. Dates, ticket prices in US$, the drive from Johannesburg and entry tips for Americans.
Débora do Batom Gets Semi-Open Regime, Stays at Home
Brazil’s Justice Alexandre de Moraes moved Débora do Batom to the semi-open regime but kept her under house arrest, crediting 212 days.
Riverdance 30 Plays Pretoria and Cape Town in April 2027
The Irish dance show marks 30 years with eight shows in Pretoria and Cape Town next April. What US visitors need to know about tickets, venues and entry.
Camp Mulla Funky Town Night in Nairobi on 7 November
Kenya's first BET-nominated act presents a nostalgia night at Masshouse in Nairobi. What US visitors need to know about tickets, the eTA and getting there.
Luis Fonsi Plays Santiago, Chile, on 1 April 2027
Puerto Rican star Luis Fonsi brings his Mar Infinito World Tour to Santiago on 1 April 2027. Ticket prices in US$, the arena and tips for US visitors.
New US Flights to Costa Rica for the 2026-27 High Season
Breeze, United, Delta and Southwest add nonstop routes to San José and Liberia from five US cities. Dates, airports and what US travelers need to know.
Mexico Arrests Jalisco Cartel Operator ‘El Tanque’
Mexican forces arrested Iván Cazarín Molina, known as El Tanque, in Zapopan on 5 October. The US Treasury sanctioned him in 2024.
Keinemusik Santo Domingo: &ME Beach Show on 31 October
The Berlin collective's &ME plays his first Santo Domingo show on a city beach on Halloween night. Tickets in US$, entry rules and safety tips for US visitors.
Peru Regional Runoffs on 29 November: Expat Guide
On a provisional count, 15 of Peru's 25 regions face a governor runoff on Sunday 29 November. Who votes, where, and how the dry law affects US visitors.
Niall Horan Plays Mexico City and Guadalajara in 2027
Irish singer Niall Horan brings his Dinner Party tour to Mexico City and Guadalajara in May 2027. How US fans can get tickets and reach both arenas.