Study by the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) highlights the rise in energy trade between Latin America-Caribbean and the U.S. in recent years.
A 10% increase in U.S. tariffs would have a trade impact of 0.08% of its GDP.
OLACDE’s study reveals that energy exports between Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and the United States (U.S.) have seen unprecedented growth, reaching 146,587 million dollars in 2023, more than double the 68,031 million reported in 2020.
In addition, the analysis indicates that the U.S. has a surplus in energy trade with LAC, with exports that are at least double its imports from the region.
The trade structure shows that 80% of U.S. exports to LAC are petroleum and derivatives, and just under 20% is natural gas, while nearly all of LAC’s sales to the U.S. are petroleum.
Of LAC’s total exports to the U.S., nearly 10% correspond to energy products. Meanwhile, 20% of what the U.S. exports to LAC are energy products.
Among the strategies suggested for addressing this situation are market diversification, particularly toward Europe and Asia, as well as strengthening regional integration projects. The need to move toward more sustainable and self-sufficient energy mixes is also emphasized, which would increase the region’s resilience against possible external crises.
OLACDE’s study underscores the importance of establishing preventive and diversification policies that safeguard the energy and economic interests of Latin America and the Caribbean in the face of changes in U.S. trade policies.
To view the complete document, visit: https://www.OLACDE.org/publicaciones/dto-2025-010-comercio-de-energia-america-latina-caribe-y-estados-unidos-efectos-alza-aranceles-ee-uu/
