Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
4 Latin American countries, Colombia, Peru, Brazil and Argentina, have the greatest exposure to an intense El Niño event in 2026, according to a Bank of America report.
2 components of inflation, food and energy, could increase in response to an intense El Niño event in Latin America during 2026.
3 strategic crops, maize, sugar and wheat, face production risks associated with El Niño: lower maize and sugar production in Brazil and impacts on part of Argentina's wheat harvest.
US$28.7 billion annually was the average United States investment in new projects in Latin America between 2003 and 2025, while Chinese investment reached US$46 billion in 2025.
70% of new United States investment in Latin America since 2003 was concentrated in Brazil, Mexico and Guyana; in 2025 Mexico received US$7.98 billion and Brazil US$6.49 billion.
65% more employment per US$1 billion invested is generated by United States companies compared with Chinese companies, and 22% more compared with European companies.
A 12.5% tariff will be imposed by the United States on part of Nicaragua's exports, increasing market-access costs and uncertainty for the export sector.
3 agricultural products, coffee, beef and peanuts, may be exempt from the new United States tariff, subject to their tariff classification and compliance with rules of origin.
10.5 million people live in the Central American Dry Corridor and depend mainly on subsistence maize and bean farming, which is highly vulnerable to El Niño.
4 weeks without rainfall were enough to destroy staple crop plantings in agricultural communities in Guatemala and El Salvador, worsening food insecurity risks.
