BIG UPSIDE POTENTIAL FOR BRAZIL’S ETHANOL INDUSTRY

The country currently produces 17 billion liters of ethanol, but is making plans to increase production to 40 billion liters over the next five years without affecting the environment or the existing food supply.

This means that a triple window opens up for Brazil: the ethanol market itself, the corn market with increasing exports to fill the gap left by the US, and the soybean market also left by the US with less acreage planted.

PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGING IN LATIN AMERICA – MEXICO LEADS GROWTH IN THE REGION

Pharmaceutical innovation and development represents an important aspect of the Latin American economy, with sales of US$24 billion in 2005, up an outstanding 18.5% from 2004. Mexico, Brazil and Argentina are three largest markets in the region, and were responsible for over 80% of the region’s sales in 2005. The combined annual growth rate of the top seven markets in the region for 2005 reached 7%.

Latin America Consumer Markets Forecast

• LatAm consumption will outgrow GDP for the first time since 2003
   

• Latin America's currencies will stop appreciating in 2007 as commodity prices weaken
   

• Latam imports will grow strongest in finished goods for consumers and business