AGP Executive Report

Bolivia’s currency shift and fiscal deal: Bolivia has moved to end nearly two decades of political budget blockages after the Legislative Assembly approved the reformulated 2026 General State Budget (PGE), with Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza saying dialogue replaced “imposition” and support exceeded two-thirds, sending the text to the Senate for the next step. Remittances keep flowing: The Central Bank of Bolivia reports Bolivia received about €202.46m from Spain (over 50% of total) as part of $459.91m in remittances from Jan–May 2026, with the U.S. the next-largest source. Crypto and FX pressure in the region: Brazil tightened crypto rules by classifying VASPs like traditional securities brokerages (Type 3) from Jan 1, 2027, while Bolivia’s own move to float after a 15-year dollar peg aims to ease critical dollar shortages. Gold demand stays strong: Central banks bought net 41 tonnes of gold in May, led by Poland and China, with Singapore returning to net purchases. Business & investment signals: BlaBlaCar expanded across multiple countries including Bolivia, and Mining Americas began trading on the TSX, highlighting continued capital-market activity tied to regional mining.

Bolivia’s budget breakthrough: Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza says the Reformulated General State Budget (PGE) 2026 was approved by more than two-thirds of lawmakers after nearly 20 years of political blockages, with the government framing it as a shift from “imposition” to dialogue. Remittances keep flowing: Bolivia received about €202.46m from Spain in the first five months of 2026 (over half of total remittances), with total inflows reaching roughly €459.91m ($402m) by May, according to the Central Bank of Bolivia. Currency reform backdrop: Multiple reports note Bolivia has moved away from a 15-year dollar peg as part of efforts to stabilize and revive the economy. Regional business and finance signals: World Gold Council data shows central banks bought a net 41 tonnes of gold in May, led by Poland and China—supporting the broader “reserve asset” trend that can affect Bolivia’s macro outlook. Trade/tech angle for the region: Bloomberg reports an Israeli government-cybersecurity firm is expanding in Latin America, citing new political alignment and rising demand for state cyber defense.

Remittances Watch: Bolivia received about 402 million euros in remittances from Jan–May, with Spain sending over half (231.56m dollars / 202.46m euros), according to the Central Bank—remittances are framed as a “salary fund” supporting household income and savings. Currency & Stability: Bolivia’s 15-year dollar peg was removed as the country shifts toward a more market-based exchange rate, aiming to revive stability amid economic strain. Bolivia Politics & Risk: Evo Morales denied terrorism and armed-rebellion accusations tied to protests and roadblocks, warning the case is politically motivated as tensions rise. Regional Trade/Finance: Mercosur backed Argentina’s “legitimate rights” in the Falklands dispute, with Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay signing on and pushing a renewed UN approach. Business & Capital Markets: Mining Americas began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under symbol MAI after graduating from the TSX Venture. Tech & Security: Israeli AI cybersecurity firm Dream plans Latin America expansion, citing new demand from governments after recent election shifts. Global Macro: Central banks bought net 41 tonnes of gold in May, the World Gold Council reports, signaling continued sovereign demand.

Currency Shock in Bolivia: Bolivia’s economy is in focus after reports say the country ended a 15-year dollar peg and moved to a more flexible exchange-rate system, with the change framed as an attempt to restore stability amid public anger and market pressure. Gold Demand Signal: The World Gold Council says central banks bought a net 41 tonnes of gold in May, a strong sovereign demand signal that can matter for regional reserves and currency expectations. Peru Political Turn: Keiko Fujimori was declared president-elect after a razor-thin runoff win, a reminder that political shifts across the Andes can quickly reshape investor sentiment and policy direction. Bolivia Legal Tensions: Former President Evo Morales denied terrorism and violent rebellion accusations tied to protests and roadblocks, as the dispute raises the risk of deeper political and economic instability. Mining & Markets: Mining Americas began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange, while other listed miners and exploration updates underscore continued capital flow into gold projects linked to Bolivia and the wider region.

Bolivia Currency Shock: Bolivia’s 15-year dollar peg is being dismantled as the country moves to a more flexible exchange-rate system, with reports tying the shift to mounting public anger and a fresh economic test for the central bank. Political Tensions & Legal Pressure: Ex-President Evo Morales denies terrorism and violent rebellion accusations linked to weeks of protests and roadblocks, saying the case is politically motivated as the crisis deepens. Mining & Capital Markets: Mining Americas (formerly Minera Alamos) begins trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under symbol “MAI,” after graduating from the TSX Venture Exchange, highlighting continued gold development activity across Nevada, Arizona, and Mexico. Corporate Finance Move: Founders Metals appoints Felicia de la Paz as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary effective July 6, as the company ramps exploration at its Antino Gold Project. Regional Business Networks: A TV BRICS content-exchange deal expands Latin American media integration with BRICS, aiming to boost South-South informational and economic cooperation.

Currency & Macroeconomy: Bolivia’s currency turmoil stays in focus after reports that the country ended its 15-year dollar peg and moved toward a more flexible exchange-rate system, with the central bank facing a fresh test as markets adjust. Protests & Labor: The government’s state-of-emergency response to weeks of unrest is back in the spotlight, with workers protesting austerity cuts and privatization plans. Legal & Political Pressure: In Santa Cruz, a civic committee filed a complaint against former President Evo Morales and other leaders tied to past blockades, alleging serious crimes including armed uprising and terrorism. Regional Trade & Security: At the Mercosur summit in Paraguay, leaders—including Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz—pushed for deeper integration, new trade talks (including Japan) and a regional security “architecture” to tackle organized crime and illicit finance. Business & Investment: GAC International reported strong first-half overseas growth, noting Bolivia as its top-selling Chinese passenger brand in the region.

Bolivia’s Currency Shock: Bolivia’s government declared a state of emergency amid 50 days of protests, as austerity and privatization anger workers and coincide with reports of the currency plummeting after the end of a 15-year dollar peg and a shift toward a more flexible exchange rate. Mercosur Trade Push: At the Mercosur summit in Paraguay, leaders defended bloc unity while launching new trade talks with Japan and seeking Asia links; the EU-Mercosur deal remains contentious, with Paraguay complaining about unfair export quota distribution. Bolivia in Global Business: GAC reported strong first-half growth, highlighting Bolivia as its top-selling Chinese passenger brand in the region. Regional Security Agenda: Mercosur leaders, including Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz, called for a coordinated South American security architecture to tackle organized crime and illicit financial flows. Health & Social Support: The Aladina Foundation stressed that pediatric oncology progress must pair medical advances with emotional, psychological, and social support for patients and families.

Currency Shock in Bolivia: Bolivia’s President Paz declared a state of emergency as protests against austerity and privatization cuts escalated, with reports tying the unrest to a sharp currency slide and rising anger over economic policy. Legal Pressure in Santa Cruz: The Civic Committee for Santa Cruz filed a complaint with prosecutors accusing former President Evo Morales and labor/social leaders of serious crimes linked to the 53-day nationwide blockades, including armed uprising and terrorism. Regional Trade Push (Mercosur): At the Mercosur summit in Paraguay, leaders launched trade talks with Japan and pushed Asia diversification, but failed to settle internal EU quota distribution—Paraguay again complained the “playing field is not level,” while Bolivia’s Paz attended. Security & Organized Crime Focus: Bolivia’s Paz called for a new South American security cooperation architecture to tackle cross-border drug trafficking and organized crime. Business/Finance Watch: Mining Americas Inc. announced it will graduate to the Toronto Stock Exchange on July 3, signaling continued capital-market momentum.

Mercosur Trade Push: Mercosur leaders meeting in Paraguay launched negotiations for an economic partnership with Japan, aiming to expand market access and investment after the EU-Mercosur deal’s provisional entry into force—while internal fights over EU export quotas remain unresolved. EU Deal Fallout in Paraguay: President Santiago Peña said the EU-Mercosur accord left a “bitter taste,” arguing quotas should be shared more fairly, with Bolivia’s Rodrigo Paz and Uruguay’s Yamandú Orsi among those attending. Bolivia at the Summit: Bolivia’s President Paz used the summit to call for a regional security “architecture” against cross-border organized crime and drug trafficking, positioning Bolivia as a “bridge” for continental integration. UAE-Uruguay Links: UAE trade minister Al Zeyoudi met Uruguay’s Orsi to discuss strengthening economic ties in food security, logistics, renewable energy, and data centers. Bolivia Currency Shift Context: Coverage also highlights Bolivia’s move away from a 15-year dollar peg toward a more flexible exchange-rate system, framed as an attempt to restore stability. Regional Business Angle: Trinidad and Tobago advanced toward Mercosur associate membership, signaling potential new manufacturing market access.

Mercosur Trade Push: Mercosur kicked off trade talks with Japan at its summit in Asunción, aiming to expand market access and link value chains after the EU deal entered into force provisionally; leaders also floated future talks with China, but the bloc still couldn’t settle internal EU quota distribution, keeping tensions—especially over Paraguay’s demand for 25% of quotas—front and center. Bolivia Legal/Business Update: Bolivia’s Supreme Court upheld a BOB 744m (about $108m) compensation order against Soboce (Gloria Group) in a long-running unfair competition case tied to cement operations and financing actions while Soboce held shares in rival Fancesa. Bolivia Currency Shift: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and moved toward a more flexible exchange-rate system, a major step aimed at restoring stability and reshaping how businesses price risk and imports. Regional Finance: The IMF approved a $242m tranche for Honduras under its program reviews, highlighting resilience despite a missed domestic arrears criterion—another sign of how investor confidence is being managed across the region. Entrepreneurship Network: WenCHAM launched in St. Kitts and Nevis, expanding a global entrepreneur network with active chapters including Bolivia, focused on smart finance, networking, and entrepreneurial diplomacy. Security & Protests Watch: Coverage continues on Bolivia’s security challenges and the Paz government’s response amid unrest and blockades, with concerns tied to narcotrafficking and illegal mining feeding broader economic and governance pressures.

Bolivia’s Currency Overhaul: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and moved to a flexible, market-based exchange rate, setting the official rate at 9.73 bolivianos per US dollar (down from 6.96) as the government tries to ease a deep dollar shortage and revive inflows. Social Unrest Update: The policy shift comes amid weeks of general strike and road blockades that were only partially cleared after a state of emergency, with tensions still high and demands unmet. Court Ruling for Cement Sector: Bolivia’s Supreme Court upheld a BOB744m (about US$108m) compensation order against Soboce (Gloria Group) in an unfair competition dispute tied to actions taken while Soboce held shares in Fancesa. Regional Trade Politics: Mercosur’s summit in Paraguay highlighted growing fault lines as Argentina’s Milei skipped the leaders’ meeting, while the bloc pushed trade deals (including with Japan and Europe) despite internal strains. Peru Election Ripple: Bolivia’s president congratulated Peru’s president-elect Keiko Fujimori after her narrow runoff win, as regional leaders signal a rightward political shift.

Bolivia’s FX shake-up: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and moved to a flexible exchange-rate system, setting the official rate at BOB 9.73 per $1 (from about BOB 6.96), after dollar shortages and a widening parallel market pushed the unofficial rate near BOB 20 at the peak of the crisis; the change is meant to restore stability and competitiveness as Bolivia seeks an IMF financing package of at least $2.5 billion. Political risk in the background: President Rodrigo Paz again warned that “jail will soon come” for former president Evo Morales amid arrest-warrant claims tied to human trafficking and alleged roles in violent protests—while the government says order has returned after emergency measures. Regional trade signal: Bolivia’s participation in the FIA/CODASUR rally calendar is disrupted—Paraguay will host the 2026 round after organizers cited “force majeure” linked to Bolivia’s sociopolitical and economic crisis. Mining and rights pressure: A new report says human-rights abuse allegations in the mining sector are rising, with South America flagged as the worst-affected region. Tech-finance expansion: SQRIL, a stablecoin-to-QR payments provider, expanded into Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan), pushing lower fees versus card-based crypto/stablecoin products.

Currency Reform: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and will move to a flexible exchange-rate system starting June 29, setting an initial official rate of 9.73 bolivianos per dollar (up from the old 6.96 sales rate), with the central bank using daily buy-and-sell operations to set a reference rate for next-day public transactions—aimed at restoring stability amid dollar scarcity and falling reserves. Social Unrest & Policy Backdrop: The currency shift lands as President Rodrigo Paz faces ongoing pressure from Indigenous and labor groups protesting fuel subsidy cuts, privatization steps, and broader economic measures; the government has also moved to restore order after weeks of blockades, while Morales loyalists in Chapare signal the “struggle continues.” Regional Business Context: Bolivia’s FX overhaul comes alongside wider Latin American shifts in trade and politics, including Mercosur-related market expectations and investor focus on how currency volatility may affect import costs and financing plans.

Exchange-Rate Overhaul: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and will move to a flexible exchange-rate system, with the central bank managing the transition as the official rate shifts to about 9.73 bolivianos per dollar—aimed at restoring stability amid dollar shortages and an IMF financing push. Political Pressure at Home: President Rodrigo Paz again warned that “jail is coming” for former President Evo Morales, tying the message to arrest-warrant allegations and renewed tensions after protest roadblocks. Protest Risk Still High: Despite a state of emergency and a protest ban, coca growers in the Chapare region say the “struggle continues,” signaling continued disruption risk for supplies and the economy. Regional Business Ripples: Paraguay will host a 2026 FIA/CODASUR rally round originally planned for Bolivia, citing “force majeure” linked to Bolivia’s sociopolitical and economic crisis. Global Context for Bolivia’s Costs: Analysts say falling oil prices may ease near-term inflation pressure in emerging markets, but unrest risk remains as household damage from earlier energy shocks lingers. Markets Watch: Asian trading was choppy as investors weigh AI growth versus rising costs and a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire keeping oil and the dollar elevated. Corporate Finance: Andean Precious Metals received TSX approval for a normal course issuer bid to buy back up to 4 million shares over the next year.

Exchange-Rate Overhaul: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and will move to a flexible exchange-rate system, with the central bank managing the transition as the government seeks macro stability, competitiveness, and balance-of-payments equilibrium amid dollar shortages and an IMF-backed financing push. Protest Pressure: Even after a state-of-emergency crackdown and a protest ban, coca growers in the Chapare region loyal to Evo Morales say the “struggle continues,” signaling ongoing supply and political risk. Regional Trade Link: Bolivia’s future access to the EU-Mercosur trade deal is back in focus as tariffs on goods including cachaça are cut, with Bolivia expected to join in coming years—an opportunity for exporters if currency and logistics stabilize. Business Tech Payments: SQRIL, a scan-to-pay QR payments platform for stablecoin users, says it’s expanding into Central Asia, highlighting how lower-fee QR rails are challenging card networks in emerging markets. Energy Costs & Social Risk: Analysts warn that even with oil-price relief, protests tied to higher living costs remain a threat across emerging economies, including Bolivia.

Exchange-Rate Overhaul: Bolivia ended its 15-year dollar peg and will move to a flexible exchange-rate system, with the central bank overseeing the shift as the government seeks macro stability, competitiveness, and better balance-of-payments equilibrium amid dollar scarcity and an IMF-backed financing push. The official rate was updated to about 9.73 bolivianos per dollar, implying roughly a 30% devaluation from the prior buy rate, after the parallel market reportedly pushed the dollar near 20 bolivianos at times. Social Unrest Watch: As a “state of exception” authorized police and military to restore order, coca growers in the Chapare region said the struggle continues and vowed to resist any attempt to dismantle roadblocks. Cross-Border Crime: Bolivia reported a smuggling case where over $37,000 seized from a currency-smuggling suspect at the Colchane border complex was stolen from police custody, prompting a new investigation. Regional Risk Lens: Analysts warned that even with easing oil prices, protests tied to energy costs and living expenses remain a risk across emerging markets, including Bolivia.