Colombia-US Tariffs: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella asked President Trump to temporarily suspend higher tariffs on Colombian goods after the 7.4 earthquake, saying the move would give relief to businesses hit by the disaster. Venezuela Gas Push: Venezuela advanced offshore gas development with new Loran Phase 2 and Plataforma Deltana licences, with bp and Abu Dhabi’s XRG among partners, aiming to unlock major regional energy cooperation. Food Security Warning: JPMorgan warned a potential next global food crisis is building, driven by war, weather, fertilizer strains, and waste—while El Niño risks intensifying pressure into 2027. El Niño Alert: NOAA forecasts a very strong El Niño later in 2026, raising risks for rainfall, farming, and water across Latin America. Colombia-Israel Rapprochement: Colombia and Venezuela are moving toward renewed ties with Israel, reversing earlier breaks and aligning with broader US security and economic interests. Brazil Election Tension: A new Brazil poll shows Lula leading (38%) versus Flávio Bolsonaro (31%), as diplomacy with the US faces friction over election oversight. Cuba-Dominican Diplomatic Spat: Cuba’s ambassador in the Dominican Republic downplayed the expulsion of nine Cuban diplomats, framing it as resilience amid heightened criticism. ECLAC Survey Due: ECLAC will release its 2026 economic survey on Aug. 20, focusing on growth, productivity, and informality across the region.