AGP Executive Report

Diesel Shock in Bolivia: President Rodrigo Paz faces widening unrest after the government raised diesel prices for large users from $0.85 to $1.56 per liter, a move tied to an IMF-linked $1.9 billion credit; protests and road blockades hit Santa Cruz–Beni routes, with producers demanding repeal and security forces using tear gas. Strategic Minerals Pact: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a declaration to deepen cooperation on copper and lithium, aiming for stronger supply chains, shared geological work, and joint public-private research and investment calls. Bolivia Economy Politics: Rodrigo Paz is pushing a national development pact to revive the economy, while the government also faces impeachment pressure tied to fuel protests and a political scandal. Regional Business/Tech: Yango Group expanded Great Place to Work certification coverage to 17 countries including Bolivia, Peru and Colombia, citing employee feedback across its markets. Energy Deal Watch: KEO Energy says it signed operating agreements with PDVSA to start joint venture operations at Venezuela’s PetroUrdaneta fields, targeting higher oil output and associated gas development.

Fuel Protests Escalate: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz faces mounting unrest after the government raised diesel prices for large commercial users from $0.85 to $1.56 per liter, a move tied to an IMF-linked $1.9 billion credit; protests and road blockades hit the Santa Cruz–Beni corridor, with tear gas used to clear demonstrators and producers issuing ultimatums. Strategic Minerals Push: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a joint declaration to deepen cooperation on copper and lithium, including shared geological work, supply-chain coordination, and efforts to attract technical and financial support from multilateral lenders. Banking Expansion: Credicorp’s BCP Miami received U.S. regulatory approval to operate as a branch, expanding services for corporate clients and enabling support for U.S.-incorporated companies tied to Credicorp’s regional groups. Mining Investment Watch: IDB Invest will finance up to $700m for Posco’s lithium expansion in Argentina, reinforcing the wider Lithium Triangle race that includes Bolivia. Policy/Leadership: Paz also announced plans to seek a national development pact to revive Bolivia’s economy amid the political pressure.

Fuel Protests & Political Pressure: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz faces escalating unrest after an IMF-linked diesel price hike for large users (from $0.85 to $1.56/liter) sparked road blockades in Santa Cruz and beyond, with producers demanding repeal and security forces using tear gas under a June state of emergency. Power Reliability for Businesses: CFE says extended blackouts in La Paz and Baja California Sur are over, and will notify customers via its mobile app before planned or emergency outages—after businesses reported erratic multi-hour cuts that damaged equipment and spoiled inventory. Strategic Minerals Push: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a declaration to coordinate on copper and lithium supply chains, set up working groups on geology and regulation, and seek multilateral support for research and innovation. Mining/Finance Watch: IDB Invest plans up to $700m to back Posco’s lithium expansion in Argentina, reinforcing the region’s battery-material race that includes Bolivia’s role in the “Lithium Triangle.” Regional Political Risk: A detained Argentine far-right strategist, Fernando Cerimedo, remains at the center of allegations tied to election manipulation and attempted femicide, with fallout reaching multiple countries’ political and business networks.

Fuel Protests & IMF Conditions: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz faces mounting pressure as violent road blockades erupted after a diesel price hike for large commercial users, tied to an IMF-linked $1.9 billion credit. The decree raises diesel from $0.85 to $1.56 per liter, while gasoline stays unchanged; producers and transport unions in Santa Cruz and beyond denounce it as discriminatory, with security forces using tear gas and a state of emergency already in place. Strategic Minerals Pact: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a declaration to deepen cooperation on copper and lithium, aiming to boost responsible investment, coordinate supply chains, share geological data, and seek technical and financial support from multilateral institutions. Energy Reliability Push: CFE says extended blackouts are over and will notify users in advance via its mobile app after outages in La Paz and Baja California Sur; the utility blamed technical failures and vegetation impacts on power lines. Regional Energy Infrastructure: TBG requested Brazil’s regulator approval for a $286m expansion to remove bottlenecks on the Bolivia–Brazil Gas Pipeline, targeting higher LNG distribution capacity by 2029. Mining Finance Watch: IDB Invest will lead up to $700m to help Posco expand lithium production in Argentina’s Sal de Oro project, reinforcing the Lithium Triangle supply chain.

Fuel Protests & IMF Deal: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz faces mounting pressure as violent road blockades erupt after a decree raises diesel for large users from $0.85 to $1.56 per liter, a move tied to an IMF condition to unlock a $1.9 billion credit facility. Agribusiness Fallout: Producers in Santa Cruz and Beni—Bolivia’s agricultural engine—say the hike is “improvised and discriminatory,” while rice, soybean and sugarcane sectors and transport unions push back; security forces used tear gas to clear highways and stranded vehicles. Strategic Minerals Pact: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a declaration to deepen cooperation on copper and lithium, including shared geological data, oversight coordination, and joint research calls for multilateral support. Energy Infrastructure: TBG seeks Brazil authorization for a $286m expansion on the Bolivia–Brazil Gas Pipeline to relieve a southern bottleneck and boost LNG distribution into Santa Catarina. Business & Finance: BCP Miami begins operating as a branch and expands U.S. corporate services after regulatory approvals, aiming to add about 100 new clients by 2027. Regional Security & Politics: A far-right Argentine political consultant, Fernando Cerimedo, remains at the center of a Bolivia-linked attempted femicide and wider election-interference allegations, drawing international political responses.

Fuel Crisis & Protests: Bolivia’s government is facing escalating unrest after raising diesel prices for large commercial users from $0.85 to $1.56 per liter, a move tied to an IMF condition to unlock a $1.9 billion credit line. Agribusiness Impact: Rice, soybean and sugarcane producers in Santa Cruz and transport unions say the decree is discriminatory and discriminatory, with road blockades and tear gas used to clear highways. Regional Minerals Push: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a declaration to coordinate on strategic minerals like copper and lithium, setting up working groups on geology, regulation and skills, and seeking multilateral support for joint research and investment. Energy Infrastructure: TBG is seeking approval for a $286 million expansion to remove bottlenecks on the Bolivia–Brazil Gas Pipeline, aiming to boost bidirectional LNG distribution into Santa Catarina by 2029. Business & Finance: BCP Miami began operating as a U.S. branch and can now serve U.S.-incorporated corporate clients, targeting about 100 new clients by 2027. Labor/Services: Yango expanded Great Place to Work certification coverage to include Bolivia among 17 countries, based on employee feedback.

Strategic Minerals Pact: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a joint declaration to deepen cooperation on strategic minerals, aiming to attract technical and financial support and launch joint public-private calls to boost research and investment as they try to position the region as a reliable supplier for the energy transition. Bolivia Energy Infrastructure: TBG asked Brazil’s regulator ANP to approve a $286m expansion to remove a bottleneck on the Bolivia–Brazil Gas Pipeline, targeting higher LNG distribution into Santa Catarina and operational startup by Oct. 2029. Banking Expansion: BCP Miami began operations as a U.S. branch after Federal Reserve and Florida approvals, expanding corporate services for Latin American firms operating in the United States. Lithium Finance Watch: IDB Invest will lead up to $700m for Posco’s Sal de Oro lithium expansion in Argentina, supporting processing into battery materials and adding hundreds of jobs. Political Risk Spillover: Bolivia’s arrest of far-right strategist Fernando Cerimedo is driving fresh regional scrutiny and allegations tied to election interference networks—an uncertainty factor for business sentiment across the region. Labor & Services: Yango Group expanded Great Place to Work certification to 17 countries including Bolivia, while separate reporting notes Bolivia-linked protests over diesel price increases and broader regional economic pressures.

Bolivia Economy & Finance: President Rodrigo Paz named economist Christian Morales as new economy minister after Congress ousted Jose Gabriel Espinoza, with Morales tasked to push IMF, IDB and Development Bank talks for a $7–$10 billion rescue package and to keep reforms aimed at attracting investment. Fuel & Social Impact: Rice producers blocked the Santa Cruz–Beni highway after diesel price increases, while the government also deployed troops to end blockades tied to a decree it wants repealed. Infrastructure & Energy Trade: TBG requested Brazil’s ANP approval for a $286m expansion to remove a Gasbol bottleneck, aiming to boost LNG distribution into Santa Catarina and restart bidirectional flow by Oct 2029. Climate & Humanitarian Response: Severe snowfall affected 121,731 families across six departments, damaging crops and killing camelid cattle, with municipalities moving to declare emergencies for aid. Trade & Business: El Salvador signed a Partial Scope Agreement with Bolivia granting preferential entry for 250+ products, including veterinary pharmaceuticals, food, textiles and paper. Civic Space: Bolivia’s NGO registry rules require prior registration for many projects and allow “corrective measures,” raising concerns over freedom of association for human rights groups. Politics & Security Spillover: The Fernando Cerimedo case continues to ripple through the region, with claims of transnational political-media influence networks and calls for UN action over alleged election fraud.

Bolivia’s Economy Reset: President Rodrigo Paz named economist Christian Morales as the new economy minister after Congress ousted Jose Gabriel Espinoza, with Morales tasked to push IMF, IDB and Development Bank talks for a $7–$10 billion rescue package. Fuel & Food Tensions: Rice producers in Santa Cruz and Beni blocked the highway over a diesel price hike tied to Supreme Decree 5676, warning higher costs could hit planting and the food basket. NGO Oversight Push: Bolivia published decrees requiring NGOs to register with the Vice-Ministry before projects involving technical or financial cooperation, with the state able to demand “corrective measures,” raising freedom-of-association concerns. Disaster Response: Severe snowfall affected 121,731 families across six departments, with damaged crops and camelid deaths reported as municipalities move to declare emergencies for aid. Trade Deal: El Salvador entered a Partial Scope Agreement with Bolivia granting preferential entry for 250+ Salvadoran products, cutting duties on selected goods from up to 40% to 0%. Energy Infrastructure (Regional): Brazil’s TBG asked regulators to approve a $286m expansion on the Bolivia–Brazil Gas Pipeline to ease a southern bottleneck and boost LNG distribution into Santa Catarina.

Economy & Finance: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz named economist Christian Morales as economy and public finance minister after Congress ousted Jose Gabriel Espinoza, as the government pushes for IMF, IDB and Development Bank talks targeting $7–$10 billion in rescue support and urges Congress to pass an investment bill to unlock domestic and foreign capital. Fuel & Business Impact: Diesel price hikes for large consumers are triggering pushback: business groups, transporters and producers are coordinating mobilizations, while authorities deployed police and military in Yapacaní to prevent road blockades; the decree’s application is also under review after officials admitted it is causing problems. Trade & Market Access: El Salvador entered a Partial Scope Agreement with Bolivia (effective July 30, 2026), granting preferential entry for 250+ Salvadoran products with tariff cuts that can fall from up to 40% to 0% across sectors like food, textiles and paper. Climate Shock & Food Security: Severe snowfall has affected 121,731 families across six departments, damaging crops and killing camelid cattle, while communities are also adapting—such as tilapia pond projects in Abra that help stabilize protein supply and generate sales. Governance & Civil Society: Bolivia’s NGO registry rules require groups to register and renew certifications for projects involving technical or financial cooperation, raising concerns about freedom of association and potential overreach.

Diesel Price Protest Escalates: Bolivia’s rice producers have launched an indefinite blockade on the Santa Cruz–Beni highway, rejecting a decree that hikes diesel for large consumers to 18 bolivianos/liter, while the government deploys police and military to keep roads open and says the decree may be repealed or adjusted. Economic Leadership Shake-Up: President Rodrigo Paz appointed Christian Morales as economy and public finance minister after lawmakers censured and removed Jose Gabriel Espinoza, aiming to stabilize the crisis-hit economy, secure foreign financing, and push an investment bill through Congress. Human Rights Compliance Pushback: New government decrees require NGOs to register with the Vice-Ministry before any technical or financial cooperation and allow the state to demand “corrective measures” if objectives don’t match development plans, drawing criticism over freedom of association. Climate Fallout for Families and Farms: Severe snowfall has affected 121,731 families across six departments, damaging crops and killing camelid cattle, with municipalities moving to declare emergencies to speed up humanitarian aid. Indigenous Water Systems Gain Ground: A youth-led effort to revive traditional paúros in Bolivia’s Amazon is expanding into a protected ecological corridor as communities seek climate-resilient water security.

Bolivia’s Economy Shake-Up: President Rodrigo Paz appointed Christian Morales as economy and public finance minister after lawmakers censured and removed Jose Gabriel Espinoza, as Bolivia battles low dollar reserves, fuel shortages, and falling gas output while seeking multilateral financing and pushing an investment bill through Congress. Political Risk in Business: Fernando Cerimedo—described as “MAGA’s man in LatAm”—was detained in Bolivia over an alleged assassination plot tied to activist Nadia Beller, with prosecutors citing cash and a bot farm and a judge ordering 180 days of preventive detention. Strategic Resources Watch: A new global race is intensifying as the world shifts from oil to lithium, with companies and governments positioning for future battery demand and national security supply chains. Regional Security & Trade: South American air chiefs met in Tucson for SOUTHAM 2026 to coordinate responses to transnational crime, cyber threats, and illicit air corridors—issues that can directly affect logistics and cross-border commerce. Investment Pipeline: Baja California Sur reviewed 29 authorized projects, with water and energy flagged as key bottlenecks for developers—an echo of the infrastructure constraints Bolivia investors also face. Emerging Markets Payments: Tether CEO says USDT is increasingly used across developing economies for commerce and value storage, including reports that Venezuela paid much of its oil revenue in stablecoins—relevant for Bolivia’s currency and financing stress.

USDT Adoption in Bolivia: Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino says USDT is increasingly used across Bolivia and other developing economies for domestic commerce, trade, and dollar-denominated savings as local currencies weaken and access to dollars tightens. Political Risk & Violence in Santa Cruz: Bolivia charged a couple as accomplices in the attempted murder of activist Nadia Beller, tied to detained Argentine adviser Fernando Cerimedo, spotlighting how cross-border political networks can spill into local business and security. Economy Under Pressure: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez reported oil output at a 2019 high and a narrowing exchange-rate gap to 12.3%, while noting new private investment agreements—an indirect signal for regional trade and financing conditions that Bolivia businesses watch. Mining & Investment Signals: American Gold & Copper Inc. (AGCI) highlighted plans to expand its Santa Cruz, Bolivia copper-gold-silver project via a 40-hole drill program, reinforcing continued investor interest in Bolivia’s extractives. Infrastructure & Trade Context: Coverage also pointed to regional infrastructure and logistics pushes funded by private investment, a theme that matters for Bolivia’s import costs and supply chains.

Macroeconomic Signals: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez said oil output topped 1.23 million barrels/day (highest since Feb 2019) and pointed to a shrinking Bolivia-style exchange-rate gap trend, with the region watching how multilateral ties and investment deals can stabilize growth. Stablecoin Trade: Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said USDT is increasingly used across Venezuela, Argentina and Bolivia for domestic commerce, dollar savings and even oil-related payments, reflecting currency stress and limited access to dollars. Bolivia Economy Politics: Bolivia’s President (E) Rodrigo Paz kept the Economy Ministry despite parliamentary censure, after lawmakers pushed for removal—another reminder that policy continuity is still a business risk. Security & Legal Fallout: In the Cerimedo-linked case tied to Nadia Beller’s attempted femicide, a judge charged a couple as accomplices, while prosecutors cite a wider digital and operational network—raising uncertainty for cross-border political and legal exposure. Regional Growth Outlook: ECLAC held Latin America’s 2026 growth forecast at 2.2%, warning the pace is too weak to lift living standards—important context for Bolivia’s trade and investment appetite. Trade & Diversification: India is stepping up South America outreach, including talks with Chile and MERCOSUR partners (which include Bolivia) to expand trade deals and deepen links in critical minerals and market access.

Bolivia Energy & Fuel Crunch: Bolivia’s fuel shortages are worsening, with long queues at gas stations and delays for diesel and propane, raising fears of speculation and inflation pressures while authorities face questions about whether new drilling and YPFB/PETROBRAS operations can stabilize supply. Economy Minister Shake-Up: President Rodrigo Paz fired Bolivia’s Economy Minister amid congressional pressure and unrest, a political setback that adds uncertainty for economic policy at a time when growth prospects across Latin America remain weak. Currency & Payments Shift: Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino says USDT use is rising in Bolivia alongside Venezuela and Argentina as people seek “digital dollars” amid currency depreciation and limited access to cash dollars. Trade & Integration Watch: Bolivia reaffirmed willingness to advance a strategic integration agenda with Venezuela, signaling continued regional cooperation efforts. Legal/Political Fallout (Cerimedo Case): Bolivia’s Fernando Cerimedo case deepened with a judge ordering 180 days of preventive detention over attempted femicide and corruption allegations, after a bot-farm and digital manipulation probe tied to regional political interference claims. Business & Finance (Accounting Network): Abacus Worldwide added Bolivian firm Horady to its network, and expanded in China via WSP Biz Advisory, supporting cross-border compliance and advisory needs for firms operating with Bolivia.

Bolivia Politics & Economy: President Rodrigo Paz dismissed Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza after Congress censured him for refusing to appear before lawmakers, appointing Oscar Mario Justiniano Pinto as interim economy chief—another sign of strain as Paz seeks IMF support amid a cost-of-living crisis. Fuel & Energy Crunch: Bolivia’s fuel shortage is still biting, with long queues at gas stations and reports of contaminated gasoline damaging thousands of vehicles; the broader crisis is also tied to declining gas reserves and production. Legal & Governance Fallout: The Fernando Cerimedo case deepened as a judge ordered 180 days of preventive detention over alleged attempted femicide and corruption links tied to a seized “bot farm,” keeping pressure on Paz’s circle. Regional Trade Signals: India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal will visit Brazil, Argentina and Chile (Aug. 24-28) to push trade talks, including upgrading India-Chile talks toward an FTA and expanding India’s MERCOSUR PTA framework that includes Bolivia. Digital Dollars Trend: Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said USDT adoption is rising in Bolivia and other unstable economies as people use stablecoins for commerce and savings when local currencies weaken.