Uruguay continues to position the EU–Mercosur agreement as a historic opportunity, with supporters describing it as the creation of the world’s largest free trade zone. The deal is seen by the government as a strategic bet to expand market access, attract investment, and strengthen Uruguay’s role as a reliable trading partner between South America and Europe, even as negotiations face resistance within the EU.

European Union proposes unlocking €45 billion to ease agricultural protests linked to Mercosur

The European Union has proposed mobilising €45 billion (US$52.2) to calm widespread agricultural protests opposing the EU–Mercosur agreement. The move reflects internal European tensions over the deal, particularly concerns from farmers about competition, standards, and market disruption, developments closely watched in Uruguay, given the agreement’s centrality to its export strategy.

Uruguay’s political system remains divided over the situation in Venezuela

Uruguay’s political landscape is once again split over how to approach the crisis in Venezuela . Disagreements persist across parties on diplomatic positioning, recognition of leadership, and responses to human rights concerns, underscoring long-standing ideological divisions in the country’s foreign policy debates.

Antifascist organisation challenges Yamandú Orsi over comments on Nicolás Maduro

An antifascist organisation has publicly questioned Uruguay's President Yamandú Orsi following his comments on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Orsi stated that Maduro’s departure would be positive only if it led to the end of authoritarianism and the restoration of democracy, remarks that have sparked criticism and renewed scrutiny of political discourse surrounding Venezuela.

Economic debate intensifies over exchange rate lag, flat dollar, and competitiveness

Uruguay is facing renewed debate over what has been described as a “so-called” exchange rate lag, with data from the end of 2025 fuelling concerns about competitiveness. A flat dollar has helped keep inflation low but at the cost of export competitiveness, while water stress has also brought the issue of guaranteeing potable water supply back into focus, highlighting the interconnected pressures facing the country’s economic model.

The Shah Alam City Council in Malaysia has implemented a successful initiative to collect and distribute unsold food from Ramadan bazaars to low-income households and students. “We are very grateful to MBSA for this service because as students, we don’t have much money, and we are always trying to stretch our allowance,” said one student. According to the Strait Times , this effort has also been adopted by other local authorities to reduce food waste and support underprivileged residents in Penang and foreigners during Ramadan.

Strategic plan to enhance geological services

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability in Malaysia has launched the Board of Geologists Malaysia Strategic Plan 2023-2040 intending to enhance geological services and meet the growing demand. The plan restricts the provision of exploration and mining reports to registered professionals, positioning Malaysia among the countries where geologists hold professional status. Additionally, community-centred development programmes based on geological principles have been initiated, including the establishment of the National Geological Disaster Centre and green mining initiatives, local media Malay Mail reported.

Visit of Indonesian President-elect

Indonesian President-elect, Prabowo Subianto, engaged in discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to strengthen bilateral ties. Subianto's regional tour included visits to China and Japan, emphasising strong relationships with both countries as part of his preparation to succeed Joko Widodo as the president in October.

Buy Now Pay Later market to reach $4.76 billion by 2029

The Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) market in Malaysia where consumers can make purchases and pay for them over time after an up-front payment is projected to reach $4.76 billion by 2029, driven by increased e-commerce activities and consumer preference for flexible financing. The growth is signified by an expanding consumer base and the adoption of novel business models, presenting strategic opportunities for potential entrants and existing players in the marketplace.

Singapore restricts sale of contaminated mussels from Malaysia

Singapore has restricted the supply and sale of mussels from Port Dickson, on Malaysia’s west coast, south of the nation's capital Kuala Lumpur following reports of eight cases of food poisoning caused by contaminated mussels. In response, Singapore’s seafood suppliers and retailers have implemented measures to ensure the safety of their products.

Andrew Moriarty, price reporting manager at Mintec, described the market as "out of control," indicating widespread apprehension among market participants. The root cause of this unprecedented surge lies in poor weather conditions and disease outbreaks that have severely impacted crop yields in key cocoa-producing countries such as Ivory Coast and Ghana. These nations collectively supply over two-thirds of the world's cocoa beans.

Moriarty noted the dire situation faced by processors and manufacturers alike, struggling to procure enough cocoa butter and cocoa liquor, which has further fueled the upward trajectory of prices.

Decades of low prices have left farmers in West Africa struggling to maintain their plantations, resulting in aging and vulnerable cocoa trees susceptible to disease and extreme weather events. The consequence has been a global cocoa shortfall for the third consecutive year, precipitating an extraordinary rally in cocoa prices.

Judy Ganes, an independent soft commodities consultant, remarked, "The handwriting was on the wall for a long time that there was going to be a major reduction in supply this year," indicating the predictability of the current crisis, the Financial Times reports.

The industry now finds itself in a state of panic as efforts to secure sufficient cocoa beans to meet consumer demand intensify.