International Trade Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean, 2025: International trade in a new era of weaponized interdependence. Executive summary
Work area(s)
International Trade Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean, 2025: International trade in a new era of weaponized interdependence. Executive summary
- Publication type: International Trade Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean
- Publication corporate author (Institutional author): NU. CEPAL
- Physical description: 21 pages
- Publisher: ECLAC
- UN symbol (Signature): LC/PUB.2025/22
- Date: 19 November 2025
Abstract
This edition of the International Trade Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean analyses the sea change in United States trade policy in 2025, which is set against the backdrop of the weaponized interdependence occurring in the wider global economy. Although its impact on global and regional trade in 2025 has not been as pronounced as anticipated at the beginning of the year, projections for 2026 point to a marked slowdown. In general, exports from the region to the United States are subject to lower tariffs than those imposed on most of its main competitors, but this could change depending on trade balance trends or even factors beyond economics. In this context, the governments of the region should diversify trade relations and strengthen regional economic integration.
This edition also examines the region’s low share of global exports of high-technology goods and human capital-intensive services. To increase that share, productive policies and factors of production (science and technology, digital transformation, human talent, among others) are essential, as is closing the gaps in technical, operative, political and prospective capabilities of institutions in the countries of the region.
Table of contents
- Presentation
- Executive summary
- A. Global and regional trade continue to grow in 2025, but the outlook . worsens for 2026
- B. Latin America and the Caribbean and the new United States trade policy
- C. Technology intensity and advanced human capital intensity of goods and services exports from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Related content
Given the United States’ New Tariff Policy, Latin American and Caribbean Countries Should Diversify their Trade Relations and Strengthen Regional Integration
According to ECLAC’s latest annual report on international trade, the region’s countries face, on average, lower tariffs in the United States than several of that country’s main trading…
International Trade Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean 2025
Presentation by ECLAC Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs.