Amir Richani

Port congestion in early January led to lower Mexican imports of gasoline. Today, we want to showcase a detailed distribution of Mexico’s gasoline and middle distillates imports through January.

Diplomacy intersects with energy sector concerns in Venezuela’s upheaval. Recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela by the United States, Canada and several right-leaning Latin American powers shows the tenure of Nicolas Maduro is under threat.

Venezuela is coping with fuel shortages and declining exports during its struggle to prop up its ailing energy sector. Vessels initially bound for the United States have been seen diverting to Venezuela to help address the issue.

As Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador takes power on Sunday, he faces major energy and economic challenges. He wants to break the energy sector’s dependence on the United States, while at the same time addressing fuel theft and Pemex’s poor track record for getting things done.

As the Brazilian economy opens up to international markets with Bolsonaro’s election, China is expected to put forth an aggressive approach to become an even bigger player in the Brazilian economy. Though the election of president-elect Jair Bolsonaro has generated anti-Chinese rhetoric in Brazil, strong economic ties between the two countries means divorce is unlikely.