Latin America

A weak rule of law and endemic corruption hamper economic freedom in Paraguay, although the tax burden remains very low and government finances are sustainable. In the medium term, the economy will outperform the regional average and inflation has…

Although political instability and corruption continue to be themes in Peru, economic freedom is the third best in South America. Inflation is falling, but the economy is slowing and copper exports could be hindered further, whilst uncertainty in the…

Puerto Rico, a US territory, grapples with economic challenges such as high unemployment and debt amid debates about its political status. Culturally diverse, the island faces social issues like poverty and emigration. Yet, initiatives in technology,…

Dependence on the Netherlands for fiscal support is a source of uncertainty for Sint Maarten. Crime rates are high and the country’s sovereign credit has been downgraded. Excessive reliance on tourism caused a severe recession, given the impact of…

St. Kitts and Nevis, a dual-island nation in the Caribbean, showcases political stability within a parliamentary democracy. Its economy hinges on tourism, agriculture, and a citizenship-by-investment program driving foreign investment. The country…

St Lucia’s stable and democratic island is challenged by endemic corruption and worsening labour freedoms. Economic growth recovered to pre-pandemic pace, but attempts at diversification need ramping up. Consumer expenditure is rising, but poverty…

St Vincent and the Grenadines enjoy political stability and low levels of corruption, but crime is rising. A small population that is hardly growing diminishes the appeal of the consumer market, whilst the populace is also ageing. Internet use is…

Suriname remains among the ‘repressed’ countries in economic freedom ranking. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a detrimental effect on the economy, which has also suffered from currency devaluation causing a spike in inflation. Whilst the…

Although economic freedom is slipping, the Dominican Republic enjoys political stability, but corruption remains endemic. Economic performance has been solid, but is slowing and remains dependent on tourism, whilst the country continues to attract…

Trinidad and Tobago is wealthy and stable; however, it is held back by a weak judiciary and high levels of corruption. Real GDP growth slowly recovered to pre pandemic pace, but oil and gas reserves will soon expire, hampering future growth. The…

Stability and less corruption than peers are cornerstones of Uruguay’s political environment, whilst economic freedom is one of the best regionally. Drought will weigh on short-term economic development, owing to high dependence on agriculture, but…

The US Virgin Islands has a good regulatory environment, which fosters business development. However, a lack of representation in the US is creating frustration amongst islanders. The economy is heavily dependent on tourism and post-pandemic recovery…

Although Venezuela is repressed for economic freedom and suffers from endemic corruption, possibilities of restructuring its significant debt pile have emerged. The economy remains massively reliant on oil and is slowing, whilst hyperinflation…

The pet care industry in Argentina continued to experience a variety of challenges in 2023 due to macroeconomic instability. Inflation is chronic, with double-digit growth since 2007, and triple-digit growth of 133% in 2023, which was the highest…

The pandemic, coupled with a surge in pet adoptions and acquisitions, drove double-digit retail current value growth for pet care in Brazil in recent years, and this is set to continue in 2024. However, the end of social isolation, a return to…

The pet care industry in Chile is undergoing significant shifts and challenges amid several prevailing trends. One notable trend is the impact of inflation on premium brands in dog and cat food. As inflation rates surge, premium brands are facing…

In 2024, pet care in Colombia is still feeling the impact of previous years’ high inflation, with soaring rates seen in 2022 and 2023. This widespread increase in prices has had a notable impact on the industry, leading pet owners seek to manage…

Pet care growth rates spiked during the pandemic in Latin America, helped by consumers adopting pets for company during lockdowns. In spite of high inflation rates in the region, growth has remained strong post-pandemic, albeit down on the 2020-2021…