Ten Latin-American countries—Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Peru—account for half of the U.S.’ free trade agreement partners.  These countries have a rapidly growing base of middle-class consumers and diversifying industries. They offer a unique combination of similar language and business cultures. These countries also have made clear commitments to opening their markets and integrating supply chains with the U.S. Brazil is unique in the region in a number of ways. It is the largest country in the region, bordering every country in South America except Chile and Ecuador. Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in the region. It is the second-largest economy in the Western Hemisphere, after the U.S., and accounts for more than 50% of Latin America´s GDP.  Brazil´s economy is also more protected than those of its neighbors.