Latin America Reports
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Venezuela Reissues Bolivar to Fight Inflation
Venezuela has revalued its inflation-heavy currency with a hope of containing runaway inflation, which has led to an imploding economic situation. The new bolivar Soberano or sovereign bolívar, slated for immanent issue under President Nicol&a…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 09.01.18
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BASF Seeds Growth in South America
BASF predicts even more growth for South America in 2019 than this year, in its latest economic, corporate governance and environmental sustainability report, “BASF América del Sur Informe 2017” report, released in Spanish in June.…Charles W. Thurston , Latin America Correspondent 08.10.18
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PPG Comex to Paint Mexico in Rosa Chilango
PPG Comex has taken up a broad campaign to help Mexico City paint murals and other walls throughout the capital in celebration of the city’s being named the 2018 World Capital of Design by the World Design Organization. The WDO is an interna…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 07.03.18
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Mexico Surfactant Investors May Face Feedstock Uncertainty
Two announced foreign investments in Mexico’s surfactant industry this year may face uncertainty in feedstock provision and pricing as a result of a petrochemical shortage for Pemex, the national oil company. Since the cost of surfactants is de…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 05.04.18
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Argentina, Mexico Boost Sika Sales
The Argentine and Mexican operations of Zurich-based Sika posted “above average” sales growth last year, supporting the regional to a 3.2 percent expansion overall compared with 5 percent in 2016, the company annual report stated. Sika…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 04.09.18
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PPG’s Glidden Brand Opens Doors in Panama
The latest paint and coatings store in Panama to offer PPG’s Glidden brand recently opened in Vista Alegre, part of a growing presence for the company in the country, according to local press reports. In addition to plans to open more stores &n…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 03.19.18
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Brazil Advances Regulation for Lead Limits in Paint
A new draft bill being readied for the Brazilian Congress would limit the permissible lead content in paint and coatings, in keeping with the region-wide effort to cut down on nominally high levels still in use by many manufacturers. The bill would u…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 02.09.18
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Paint Suppliers Aid in Puerto Rico Reconstruction
Puerto Rico’s devastated infrastructure in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria will require billions of dollars in materials and labor to repair and improve conditions. Paint and coatings manufacturers and suppliers are among the companies helping…harles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 01.08.18
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Manufacturers, Suppliers Gird for Recovery in Brazil
This is the second in a set of stories on strategies for growth in the Brazilian paint and coatings market. Part one appeared in the November issue, and examined new direct investments, distribution and logistics, and new technologies. This story wil…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 12.04.17
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Manufacturers, Suppliers Gird for Recovery in Brazil
Paint and coatings manufacturers and suppliers are adjusting their strategies for Brazil, preparing for an expected recovery in the market after a four-year slide. Among strategies being employed are new direct investments, expanded service and labor…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 11.06.17
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Venezuelan Economic Crash Devalues Manufacturer Assets
The implosion of Venezuela’s economy and the accompanying crash in foreign exchange has had a choking effect on manufacturers like paint and coatings leader Axalta, which was compelled to write down $70.9 million in local assets as of the…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 09.04.17
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Recovery Investment to Boost Peruvian Economy
International investors are responding positively to Peru’s strong growth record and its plans to rebuild after last winter’s devastating El Niño floods, which may require $9 billion in recovery funds over the next five years, acco…Charles W. Thurston , Latin America Correspondent 08.09.17
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Brazil’s Auto Sector Warming Under New President
Brazil may be starting to shake off the economic chill that permeated the country under the storm of corruption that culminated in the ousting of the last president. The automotive sector is warming, moreso in exports than domestic sales, and leading…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 07.05.17
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China’s Longyu Expands South America Network
Longyu Pigment & Chemicals has expanded its South American sales network by adding Argentina to the mix.Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 05.01.17
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Brazil’s Petrobras Sells Total Rights for $2.2 Billion
Brazil’s state oil company Petrobras has sold substantial development rights to France’s Total for $2.2 billion, following production doldrums in Brazil over the past year as oil prices have declined. Since Petrobras is the largest nation…Charles W. Thurston , Latin America Correspondent 03.31.17
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Versaflex Expands in South American Polyurea Coatings
Kansas City-based Versaflex has expanded its footprint in South America through a co-marketing agreement with São Paulo-based Renner Coatings that will result in a new polyurea coating line brand, RenFlex, now being prepared for distribution.…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 02.13.17
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Colombia’s Grupo Orbis Launches Store Network
Colombia’s Grupo Orbis has begun the development of a domestic chain of Do-it-Yourself stores named Master Pro that will feature subsidiary Pintuco’s full line of paints and coatings. The independent Tiendas Pintuco paint store network wi…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 01.06.17
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PPG Opens More Brazilian Paint Stores
PPG Renner is adding 30 new retail stores to its Brazilian distribution network this year, particularly in the South, adding to the estimated 90 stores previously in operation across the country. The company has also opened its first store in Montevi…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 12.09.16
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ChemSpec Ltd. to Add Specialties Access in Mexico
ChemSpec Ltd.’s recent announcement that it would set up its first Mexico subsidiary makes good on the company vow at the time of its 75 percent equity acquisition in 2015 that it was looking for expansion opportunities in the region. CHEMSPEC…Charles W. Thurston , Latin America Correspondent 10.10.16
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PPG Comex Bullish on Mexico, Central America
Despite sliding sales for paint and coatings in Latin America overall, PPG Comex is optimistic about sales in Mexico and Central America this year and for several years thereafter. In its third-quarter 2016 financial report, PPG’s notes on Lati…Charles W. Thurston, Latin America Correspondent 09.13.16
