South America

Reciprocal 30% tariffs on goods traded between Colombia and Ecuador took effect on February 1, leading to truck backups at the border since the weekend. Border zone merchants voice concerns over effects on legal trade and rising prices for consumers. Officials and private sector from both nations will meet this Monday to explore alternatives.

3. februar 2026 Rapporteret af AI

Emanuel Leguizamón, a referee from La Pampa who became a professional with AFA just over a year ago, died in a serious road accident in Patagonia. He was traveling with three colleagues who were seriously injured after officiating a match in the Torneo Regional Federal Amateur.

The Barranquilla Carnival, from February 14 to 17, 2026, inspires fashion aligned with creativity, individuality, and conscious consumption. Under Queen Michelle Char Fernández's motto 'Aquí suena Michelle', it promotes an authentic style prioritizing essence over excess.

2. februar 2026 Rapporteret af AI

INDEC director Marco Lavagna resigned on Monday due to disagreements with the government over implementing a new methodology for measuring January inflation. Economy Minister Luis Caputo confirmed the change will be postponed and appointed Pedro Lines as replacement. Unions express concerns over potential data manipulation.

Technicians from the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) have recommended suspending a R$ 1 million public fund allocation to the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school, which plans an homage to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the Rio de Janeiro Carnival parade. The amount is part of a R$ 12 million contract between Embratur and the Independent League of Rio Samba Schools (Liesa). The precautionary measure aims to prevent risks to principles of impersonality and administrative morality, according to the technical opinion.

2. februar 2026 Rapporteret af AI

Argentina's textile sector and supermarkets reported a significant sales drop in January, blamed on economic factors like inflation and high costs. Guillermo Fasano, president of the Mar del Plata Textile Chamber, and Fernando Savore, a Buenos Aires supermarkets representative, highlighted weakened consumption despite summer seasonality. Both warned of the impact on workers' pockets and the need for reforms.