In 2010, legislation that fosters the use of ethanol-gasoline and biodiesel was implemented in Argentina and Peru, according to Internacional Nacional Foro (INF)states. These countries join Bolivia and Brazil, which had regulated the use of biodiesel in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Biofuels are produced from agricultural products, organic waste, or any kind of biomass and, in order to be considered biofuels, must contain some percentage of renewable materials.

South America's economic recovery has been carried in part by an increase in raw materials trade with China. This puts the region "on track" to realize pre-crisis levels of trade growth.

"The South-American region is back on track to recuperate the pace of trade growth. Although there is no specific information, some of the characteristics of Latin American recuperation may become permanent for South-American countries."

Many countries in South America are investing significant capital in new hydroelectric power projects, including Brazil, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Venezuela, Argentina, and Paraguay. However, not everyone who lives in these hydropower development zones will have access to the electricity produced.

"Hydroelectric power production is growing in South America. In 2006, regional production reached 631 million Mega-Watts (MW), 80% more than regional production for 1990 and representing 21% of world hydroelectric power production for 2006."

According to Internacional Nacional Foro, freedom of the press is precarious in several South American countries.

State-owned enterprises are becoming more important players in South America’s economic development, international markets, and revenue generators for state treasuries.

Gonzalo Alcalde of FORO writes,

"While for the last 25 years there has been decreasing social security coverage, Latin America's population over 65 is growing and will triple from 6.3% in 2005 to 18.5% in 2050. Also, labor markets continue to be highly informal, while independent and short-term employment have been increasing, which further complicates coverage and affiliation to retirement schemes. South American pension systems have been diverse in terms of coverage and quality, yet in no case have they incorporated all workers (see figure).