Overview
The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) released its latest economic outlook on 20 August 2026, projecting that regional gross domestic product (GDP) will grow 2.2 % in 2026, a slowdown from the 2.4 % forecast for 2025 and a revision down from the 2.3 % projection issued in December. The outlook anticipates a modest rebound to 2.5 % growth in 2027, completing five consecutive years of average annual growth of roughly 2.3 % by that time, even as external conditions are expected to improve gradually.
Country‑Specific Projections
- Brazil: GDP growth is forecast at 2.2 % for both 2026 and 2027.
- Mexico: Growth is projected at 1.3 % in 2026 and 1.9 % in 2027.
- Argentina: Expected to expand by 3.3 % in 2026 and 3.4 % in 2027.
- Venezuela: Anticipated to grow 6.5 % in both 2026 and 2027.
Structural Constraints
ECLAC identified three principal structural obstacles that will limit economic expansion across the region: low investment levels, weak productivity, and high rates of informal employment.
Macroeconomic Outlook
The commission indicated that the region will maintain macroeconomic stability, with inflation moving closer to central‑bank targets throughout the forecast horizon.
Market Reaction
The article notes modest movements in related exchange‑traded funds (e.g., EWZ +0.04 %, EWW +0.69 %) but does not attribute these to the forecast.