AGP Executive Report

Energy Disruption: Jamaica suffered an island-wide power blackout after a system failure, with the Jamaica Public Service rolling out restoration in phases while officials awaited a full update. Humanitarian Logistics: Colombia sent about 100 tons of humanitarian aid from Cartagena to Cuba, including food, medicines, hospital supplies, electrical materials and solar panels, to support recovery from Hurricane Melissa and ongoing energy strain. Public Health & Mobility Risk: Argentina expanded its hantavirus investigation tied to a cruise outbreak, sending scientists to Mendoza to trap and test rodents and reconstruct how the virus spread after repatriated passengers entered quarantine. Aviation & Connectivity: BermudAir outlined a winter expansion strategy aimed at underserved leisure routes across the Caribbean and Central America, using fifth-freedom flying to shift capacity with seasonal demand. Airspace/Travel Reliability: Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas is delayed about six hours returning to Southampton due to rough weather, pushing back debarkation and the next embarkation. Road Safety Governance: Antigua and Barbuda approved a dedicated night court for traffic offences to reduce case backlogs and speed up handling of violations.

Last-mile Labor & Politics (Brazil): AFP reports Brazil’s delivery riders are organizing to defend pay and working conditions, with election-year attention growing after protests against a bill setting low minimum income per trip. World Cup Logistics (US–Mexico–Canada): Reuters and AP highlight last-minute visa and movement friction tied to the Iran squad’s World Cup base shift to Tijuana, while US public health officials warn the multi-city tournament will amplify disease spread via travel and transit. Cross-border Security & Mobility (US–Mexico): AP details how US immigration enforcement is sending South American deportees to third-country arrangements, with the DRC saying many have already left for home. Supply Chain Disruption (Energy): Genoil warns jet fuel and other transportation fuels are tightening sharply amid Hormuz-related risks, pointing to refinery capacity as a stopgap. Port/rail deal (Canada–global markets): CN and BHP sign a rail transportation agreement to move Saskatchewan potash to West Coast export terminals, supporting fertilizer demand across Latin America and beyond. Cruise Operations (Caribbean/Alaska): Carnival expands onboard/offshore experiences for US celebrations, while a Norwegian ship alters Alaska itineraries due to propulsion issues.

Venezuela–India Energy Push: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez met India’s PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi to deepen hydrocarbons cooperation and expand bilateral deals, with transport and other ministries also on the agenda. US Trade Pressure: The US proposed forced-labor tariffs on imports from 60 countries, drawing pushback from trading partners including Mexico and Ecuador over the plan’s fairness and supply-chain fallout. Mexico Logistics/Maritime: SBM Offshore agreed to sell a 45% stake tied to the Chalchi floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel, keeping 55% while the unit is set for a long-term lease for the Trion field off Mexico. Aviation Cost Watch: IATA’s Rio summit is set against rising jet-fuel costs and Middle East airspace disruption, with airlines weighing fare hikes and route cuts. World Cup Prep Disruptions: Japan’s squad had to change training pitches twice in Mexico due to poor field conditions, while broader World Cup logistics and fan-cost concerns continue to surface. Cattle Biosecurity: New World screwworm was confirmed in South Texas, triggering movement restrictions and checkpoints to protect herds near the Mexico border.

Aviation Restructuring: A new wave of airline failures continues, with British cargo carrier European Cargo entering administration after other recent shutdowns and bankruptcies across the region’s aviation market. Event-Driven Demand: New Orleans’ Sail 250 weekend drew 439,200 visits downtown, up 31.5%, showing how major maritime events can boost local hospitality and transport flows. Border Security & Freight Risks: Texas DPS recovered 20 migrants hidden in a truck tractor near Laredo, underscoring how cross-border logistics routes remain a hotspot for smuggling. World Cup Travel Friction: Mexico tightened flight entry procedures with a centralized approval process and strict document requirements, while PAHO warned World Cup travel could worsen measles spread amid rising cases across the Americas. Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: U.S. prosecutors say a “sophisticated” tunnel helped move $45M in cocaine from Tijuana to an Otay Mesa retail store, adding pressure on port-area security and supply-chain controls. Diplomacy With Transport Links: India and Venezuela leaders met in New Delhi, with talks spanning energy, trade, and transportation cooperation.

Aviation Fuel Shock: IATA’s Rio summit opens amid Iran-war driven jet fuel spikes, route detours, aircraft delivery delays, and pressure on airlines to keep climate targets on track. Trade & Border Friction: The U.S. proposes new forced-labor tariffs (12.5%) and Canada faces potential retaliation risks as USMCA renewal looms—an issue that can ripple into Latin America supply chains. Maritime Disruption: Posidonia’s shipping leaders warn that geopolitical fragmentation, dark fleets, and decarbonisation uncertainty are reshaping trade routes and investment decisions. Cuba Logistics Strain: Havana’s garbage crisis worsens as fuel shortages stall collection, pushing residents toward burning waste and raising health fears. Mexico–U.S. Smuggling Crackdown: U.S. authorities report a sophisticated tunnel tied to a $45m cocaine haul, underscoring ongoing cross-border logistics vulnerabilities. Venezuela–India Connectivity: Delcy Rodriguez’s India visit spotlights energy, trade, and transportation cooperation as both sides look to deepen ties. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirms New World screwworm in Texas, a fresh threat to cattle logistics and regional trade.

Trade & Tariffs: The Trump administration is proposing new forced-labor tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from about 60 economies (including Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Guatemala and others), with the move framed as a Section 301 response after a Supreme Court hit to earlier emergency tariffs; partners pushed back, warning it will add confusion for supply chains. Maritime & Aviation Finance: Venezuela has ordered airlines and shipping firms to route fuel payments to a U.S. Treasury account tied to PDVSA, signaling tighter controls on JET A1 and ship fuel purchases. Logistics & Security: A U.S. case highlights the risks around cross-border movement: a Mexican national pleaded guilty in Texas to harboring 32 migrants in a stash house and tractor-trailer under lethal conditions. Regional Trade/Ports: Brazil’s May trade surplus hit $7.8B, with export growth driven by higher prices for oil, copper, beef and fuels. Tourism & Mobility: Mexico is rolling out a World Cup-focused push to manage travel demand, while Cuba is suspending Visa/Mastercard transactions from June 6 due to U.S. sanctions impacts. Energy Investment: Venezuela says it will host its largest-ever international energy investment summit in Caracas in late October to spur capital into its reopening oil sector.

Venezuela–India Energy Talks: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez is in India June 3–7 to deepen cooperation, with oil at the center as India boosts Venezuelan crude purchases amid Gulf supply strain. Cross-Border Drug Bust: U.S. and Mexican authorities say a sophisticated tunnel linking Tijuana to a San Diego “Buy 4 Less” site moved over $45M in cocaine, with four suspects charged. Air Connectivity (Venezuela): Copa Airlines restarted the Panama–Barcelona route with three weekly flights, aiming to lift tourism and business links via Tocumen’s hub. Port & Logistics Deal (Brazil): AD Ports will buy Brazil’s CLI, a major agri-bulk terminal operator, for $835M, aiming to expand Brazil–UAE trade routes. Border Infrastructure Planning: Yuma’s port authority is pushing data-driven border modernization and studying local spending impacts from commercial truck drivers. EV Supply Chain (Mexico/LatAm angle): Tata Motors plans to license a Chery platform for premium EVs in India, underscoring how Chinese tech is reshaping global auto production timelines. Tourism Strategy (Baja California): Baja California launched a sustainability-and-community focused tourism campaign to reposition the border state for domestic and international travelers.

Cross-Border Security: U.S. authorities charged four people after uncovering a nearly 2,000-foot tunnel from Tijuana to a “Buy 4 Less” storefront inside California’s Otay Mesa area, seizing more than a ton of cocaine worth about $45M and alleging sophisticated infrastructure including rail, ventilation, and power. Border Enforcement: U.S. Border Patrol arrested 36 commercial truck drivers during “Operation Checkmate” in Arizona, with 30 drivers from India and others from Mexico, El Salvador and Russia, as federal rules tighten scrutiny of non-domiciled CDLs. Air Connectivity: Avianca launched new nonstop flights between San Francisco and Guatemala City (four weekly flights through Aug. 31), boosting Central America access ahead of major travel demand. Port/Logistics Investment: AD Ports agreed to acquire Brazil’s CLI, a leading agribulk port terminal operator, in an $835m deal—another sign of continued capital flow into regional logistics capacity. Tourism & Jobs: Brazil reported tourism employment growth to 2.41m formal workers in April and record domestic air passenger numbers in early 2026. Compliance Risk: The U.S. designated Brazil’s PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations, raising new legal and financial compliance risks for companies operating in Brazil.

Border & Smuggling: U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector reported three smuggling cases in April, including arrests tied to illegal entry and a case where a man was abandoned and later treated for severe heat stress. Road Safety & Labor: A forklift training accident in eastern Spain killed a 45-year-old Colombian worker after a trainee pulled the wrong lever, prompting police and workplace safety investigations. Aviation Safety: A 72-year-old woman died after falling from airplane stairs at São Paulo’s Congonhas Airport while disembarking from a LATAM flight. Logistics Enforcement: “Operation Checkmate” in Arizona arrested 52 people (including 36 commercial truck drivers) for living illegally in the U.S., with authorities citing public-safety risks. Trade & Shipping Risk: Oil jumped more than 4% after reports that Iran halted indirect talks and could block the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns for global shipping routes. Mexico World Cup Disruption: Mexico City police used tear gas to disperse teachers’ protests near the Zócalo during World Cup fan-festival construction. Regional Connectivity: UPS announced a $50M push to expand Mexico air freight and improve service levels for U.S.-Mexico industrial shippers.

Colombia Election Fallout: Colombia’s presidential run-off campaign heats up after disputed first-round results, with security and the peace process front and center as voters weigh right-wing tough-on-crime messaging versus Petro-aligned continuity. World Cup Mobility & Costs: FIFA released another batch of 2026 World Cup tickets on a first-come basis, while fans and prosecutors in the U.S. and beyond criticize pricing and “fake scarcity,” adding pressure to already strained travel budgets across North America. Aviation & Travel Operations: An ICAO NACC civil aviation meeting in Antigua spotlights safety and regional cooperation, while LATAM’s Boeing 787-8 at Easter Island remains grounded after an airport vehicle tore off a passenger door—raising repair and logistics concerns for remote routes. Maritime Health Restart: The Hondius cruise ship, tied to a hantavirus outbreak, has been disinfected and cleared to sail again, with crew transitions and quarantine rules still shaping operations. Energy & Shipping Demand: Venezuela’s oil exports rose to 1.25 million bpd in May on more cargoes to the U.S., India and Europe, underscoring how tanker flows keep shifting. Supply Chains & Industry: Solvay and Viridis signed an LOI to source rare earth feedstocks from Brazil for processing in France starting in 2028, aiming to strengthen critical-material supply resilience. Labor Disruption Risk: A GM supplier strike at a Michigan axle plant could affect truck production, with GM monitoring inventory buffers.

Colombia Election Fallout: President Gustavo Petro rejected Colombia’s first-round preliminary count, alleging software changes and added voters, setting up a tense fight over official results ahead of certification. Air Cargo Watch: Global air freight volumes stabilized in mid-May, with demand holding up but rates staying elevated as lead times stretch in the US and Europe. Ecuador-Colombia Trade Reset: Ecuador abolished a 100% tariff on Colombian goods starting June 1, ending a security-driven trade dispute and aiming to boost legal trade and anti-illicit cooperation. USMCA Auto Talks: The US is pushing for higher North American vehicle content (82%) to qualify under USMCA, with a key demand that Canada’s parts won’t count—raising stakes for Mexico’s auto supply chains. Paraguay Drug Bust at Airport: Authorities detained four US citizens after seizing 261.6 kg of high-THC marijuana from a private aircraft at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport. World Cup Logistics in Kansas City: Argentina’s squad arrived for its title defense, with charter flight 1978 and team travel moving into full tournament mode.

Aviation Disruption Watch: U.S. airline, travel and business groups warned that Homeland Security could halt international customs and immigration processing at Newark and other “sanctuary city” airports, risking stranded passengers and delayed cargo across tightly linked air networks. World Cup Mobility Strain: Mexico’s World Cup infrastructure push is running behind schedule, with transport projects still not ready for the influx of fans. Caribbean Air Access: St. Kitts and Nevis said it’s in talks with another airline after Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from the route, citing losses driven by higher fuel costs. Cruise Demand Surge: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed 14,000+ cruise passengers and crew across two major ships, boosting spending on local transport and tourism services. Logistics & Trade Payments: Russia and Mexico discussed alternatives to SWIFT to reduce trade friction, including for agricultural and fertilizer shipments. Air Cargo Fleet Update: Colombia’s Aerosucre retired its last 737-200 freighter after 45 years, marking a shift in cross-border logistics capacity. Uber Adds Match Shuttles: Uber launched World Cup fan shuttles in select U.S. host cities, with QR-based booking and airport-to-stadium guidance.

Maritime Health & Safety: The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius, linked to a hantavirus outbreak that forced passenger evacuations in the Canaries, has been cleared to resume sailing after cleaning and disinfection in Rotterdam, with its schedule set to restart June 13. Public Health in the Region: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited DR Congo’s Ituri province to push early care and safe burials as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak outpaces response capacity. Logistics & Trade Risk: Rare pest interceptions at the U.S. border continue, with CBP agriculture specialists quarantining a leafhopper found in leafy-greens shipments arriving via Nogales, underscoring ongoing biosecurity checks that can disrupt supply chains. Cross-Border Enforcement: A lawsuit filed by Texas groups challenges ICE’s Camp East Montana operations over alleged detention-standard violations, including claims of excessive force and solitary confinement—another pressure point for migrant transport and detention systems. Air Cargo & Mobility: UPS is expanding logistics capacity with a $50M push for automotive and industrial supply chains, including air freight expansion in Mexico.

USMCA Auto Rules: The Trump administration is pushing to raise North American vehicle content to 82% for preferential tariffs, with 50% produced in the U.S., and the proposal reportedly excludes Canada from counting toward the totals—raising stakes for Mexico’s auto supply chains. Cuba-US Military Pressure: A top U.S. Southern Command general met Cuban military leaders at Guantanamo Bay for “operational security” talks as Washington tightens pressure, with Cuba warning of worsening conditions tied to the broader sanctions and oil blockade. Border & Maritime Security: U.S. forces used air-disabling fire to stop a vessel carrying 391 lbs. of cocaine off Puerto Rico, while Guyana reported another patrol shooting in the Cuyuni River as it escorts civilian cargo. Trade & Logistics Watch: IATA says global air cargo demand rose 4% YoY in April despite capacity slipping and Gulf disruptions from the Middle East conflict. Agriculture Inspections: CBP quarantined a rare leafhopper pest found in a leafy-greens shipment at the Port of Nogales, underscoring ongoing cross-border biosecurity checks. World Cup Mobility: Iran asked FIFA to clarify World Cup visa timing after relocating its camp to Tijuana, highlighting how travel rules can ripple into tournament logistics.

Venezuela–U.S. Mobility & Security: An ICE agent charged in the shooting of Venezuelan immigrant Julio Sosa-Celis during “Operation Metro Surge” has been arrested in Texas, setting up extradition back to Minnesota for assault and false-reporting charges. Maritime Infrastructure Liability: Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse continues to ripple through courtrooms as BGE and the Dali owners settle with families, while broader claims against the ship’s owner and operator head to trial. World Cup Logistics in Mexico: A new study with Uber estimates the 2026 World Cup could generate $2.57B in benefits across Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey in under a month, with transport, airport rules, tourism, and “platform mobility” driving the spend. Port Capacity Upgrade (Chile): Chile has approved a $4.45B plan to triple capacity at its largest port, a major move for regional shipping throughput. Caribbean Cruise Demand (Puerto Rico): Puerto Rico logged 1.36M cruise passengers in Old San Juan this winter season, up 43%, with 515 cruise calls/operations, reinforcing its role as a Caribbean cruise hub. Aviation Expansion (Venezuela): JetBlue announced its first-ever flights to Venezuela, including a new Fort Lauderdale–Caracas route. Trade & Transport (Brazil–Suriname): Brazil and Suriname will negotiate to expand their trade agreement, with logistics and transport highlighted in business talks.

Critical Minerals & Supply Chains: Brazil’s rare-earth push gets more confrontational as Viridis Mining & Minerals says it will exclude Chinese buyers from its Colossus project, aiming instead at Europe and North America. Mega-Project Logistics: Paraguay’s Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor is in the final stretch, with just 21 meters left to complete the Bioceanic Bridge linking the Atlantic to the Pacific and potentially cutting export transit times by 10–15 days. Aviation Disruption: Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas changed its itinerary after a propulsion-system technical issue, cancelling a Jamaica port call and shifting schedules around Nassau. Tourism Demand Signals: Mexico outperformed the U.S. and Canada in 2025 travel and tourism growth, with higher international arrivals and spending—an early read on World Cup-driven connectivity benefits. Health & Travel Controls: The U.S. and other countries tightened Ebola-related entry rules, including airport-only entry and enhanced screening for travelers from affected African nations. Energy Trade Ripple Effects: Dangote Refinery in Nigeria emerged as the world’s top jet fuel exporter in April as Middle East conflict disrupted global fuel flows. Maritime/Space Tech Watch: Blue Origin’s New Glenn suffered a launchpad explosion during a hot-fire test, a reminder of how fragile new transport tech timelines can be.