Latinobarómetro poll shows China ahead of U.S. in Latin American opinion

A new regional survey indicates that China has overtaken the United States in public favorability across Latin America. The 2026 Latinobarómetro poll, which gathered data from 17 countries in the region, recorded a 65% positive rating for China's influence. The United States received a 57% positive rating in the same measure.

This result marks a reversal from 2020 data. In that earlier poll, 60% of respondents viewed the U.S. favorably while only 48% held that view of China. The 2026 survey was conducted earlier this summer by Latinobarómetro, a Chilean nonprofit organization. The poll measures opinions on democracy, the economy, security, and immigration, as well as the influence of major world powers.

Country-specific data reveals varying levels of support for the United States. In Mexico, only half of respondents viewed the U.S. positively. Higher approval ratings for the American government were recorded in Central American nations and countries in the South Cone. The survey suggests these shifts may reflect policies implemented by the Trump administration during its first 20 months in office.

U.S. actions in the region during this period included the imposition of steep tariffs, the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, and aerial strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking. The administration also launched a regional security initiative called the Shield of the Americas. While a majority of respondents approved of Maduro's removal, only about one-third believed the U.S. intervention would benefit Venezuela.

China's rising influence coincides with increased economic activity in the region. The country has signed commercial agreements with multiple nations and increased the export of low-cost goods. According to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, Temu, a Chinese e-commerce platform, averaged 114 million monthly active users in Latin America during the first half of 2025. In the automotive sector, Chinese brands accounted for more than 80% of electric vehicle sales in Brazil, according to industry reports.

Despite the shift in influence ratings, the United States retains a political advantage. The poll found that 71% of respondents held a positive view of their country's relations with the U.S. The editorial notes that democratic values remain a key asset for American engagement. The survey results were published on November 3, 2026.