Latin America Need Not Choose Between US and China
UNCTAD official Luz Maria de la Mora says the region can deal practically with both major economic powers.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in International Trade
Luz Maria de la Mora, Director of the Division on International Trade and Commodities at UNCTAD, said Latin America does not have to choose between the United States and China. She spoke to Bloomberg during the World Investment Forum 2026 in Doha, Qatar.
Why it matters
The United States and China are both vital export destinations and sources of goods and inputs for Latin American economies. China is the leading trading partner for several South American nations, while the United States leads for Mexico and several Central American and Caribbean economies.
Bloomberg reported de la Mora's remarks on November 3, 2026, at the World Investment Forum in Doha, but the stub contains no specific trade volumes, percentages, or market figures to quantify the leading-partner relationships. The extraction does not report the size of China's or the United States' share of Latin American trade.
The players
UNCTAD
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development is a UN body that promotes trade, investment, and sustainable development among its member states.
Luz Maria de la Mora
Director of the Division on International Trade and Commodities at UNCTAD, she is an official who analyzes global trade relations.
The details
De la Mora advised that Latin American countries approach relations with both powers from a practical perspective, using market and production-chain opportunities. She made the remarks while speaking to Bloomberg during the forum.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: De la Mora's statements are reported at the World Investment Forum in Doha, Qatar.
Market Dynamics
The remarks fit into a broader contest over trade ties in Latin America, where the United States has long been the dominant partner for Mexico and Central America while China has grown into the leading partner for several South American economies. De la Mora's position frames the region's choice as one of practical market access rather than strict alignment with either power.
For investors tracking Latin American markets, the relative weight of US and Chinese trade ties shapes which export sectors and supply chains may expand or contract. Readers with exposure to regional trade-dependent assets should watch how each country's partner mix develops over time.
The takeaway
Latin American economies can pursue practical trade gains with both major powers rather than choosing a single alignment. Investors and businesses should evaluate partner relationships country by country.
Further reading
For broader context on how these trade relationships are structured, see International Trade.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Prensa Latina.
