Description

Regional economic growth in Americas is expected to slow from an average of 2.53% in Q4 2017 to 2.41% in Q1 2018 and further 2.35% in Q2 2018. Although manufacturing sector expanded at a slower pace of 2.0% in Q1 2018, it is expected to rise to 3.4% in Q2 2018. The pace of growth in food and beverage sector declined sharply from 4.8% in Q4 2017 to 2.8% in Q1 2018. The mining sector in the region expanded at the average rate of 6.1% in Q1 2018, with Chile recording the sharpest growth of 16.3%.

Change of leadership in key economies including Mexico, Colombia and the upcoming election in Brazil is expected to bring about change in policy direction in the region. Uncertainty around the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) involving Mexico, Canada and the United States, is expected to prolong to the end of 2018, as President Donald Trump is unlikely to sign a renegotiated agreement until after the US midterm election sign November. Escalation of the trade war between the United States and its trading partners resulting in the introduction of tariffs and counter tariffs poses a downward risk for trade in the region. Countries in Americas are expected to shift their trade and investment away from the United States due to the continued uncertainty around trade policies.

Country Coverage – Americas
·     Argentina
·     Brazil
·     Canada
·     Chile
·     Colombia
·     Mexico
·     Panama
·     The United States

Year, Quarter and Month Coverage
·     Yearly Data: 2012 – 2022
·     Quarterly Data: Q1 2012 – Q2 2020
·     Monthly Data: January 2012 – June 2018