The Upside of Trump 2.0: Marcos Troyjo on Latin America’s Strategic Edge

04 Jul 2025

In a recent interview with Latin Finance, Global Neighbours Advisory Board member Marcos Troyjo, former Deputy Economy Minister of Brazil and past President of the New Development Bank, offered a sharp analysis of how Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President is reshaping global dynamics.

Troyjo introduces the term “Trumpulence”, a blend of turbulence, opulence, and incoherence to describe the contradictory forces at play: deregulation and tax cuts on one hand, protectionism and industrial policy on the other. While this creates global uncertainty, Troyjo argues that Latin Americaespecially Brazil stands to gain.

He points out that a weaker U.S. dollar could help Latin American economies manage inflation more effectively. As geopolitical tensions push foreign investment away from China, Brazil emerges as a strong candidate to absorb that capital though its own regulatory and tax environment may need reform to stay competitive. Meanwhile, the ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and China are reinforcing Brazil’s role as a reliable food supplier to Beijing, especially in key exports like soybeans, pork, and poultry.
Troyjo also notes a striking shift in global financial behavior: the U.S., traditionally seen as a safe haven in times of uncertainty, is now behaving more like an emerging market. This shift enhances the comparative appeal of countries like Brazil, which are increasingly seen as stable and resource-rich alternatives. With its vast reserves of energy and agricultural resources, Brazil is well-positioned not only to support global food and energy security but also to power the emerging era of “green artificial intelligence”a sector that will demand sustainable and scalable energy solutions.

Troyjo’s message is clear: in a world of shifting alliances and economic realignment, Latin America has a rare opportunity to lead not just adapt.

Read the full interview on Latin Finance: https://lnkd.in/d8q4hmgj

Image: Pixel-Shot – stock.adobe.com