According to BN Americas, Latin American countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay have reduced their fiscal deficits and financing needs, said Moody's senior VP Gersan Zurita.
"Access to funds to combat heavy rains, as well as bilateral and multilateral loans, will help these nations overcome damage to infrastructure and the costs of other emergencies that may arise from El Niño," said Zurita.
Banks are in a strong position to face the negative effects of El Niño, having strengthened their ability to manage risks and prepare for a decline in asset quality stemming from severe climatic events, said Moody's.
El Nino Threatens Agriculture and Aquaculture
Should it occur, the impact of El Niño on agricultural production in the region will vary from place to place, with increased rainfall in some areas and drought in others.
Peru, as the world's biggest producer of fish meal and fish oil, is likely to be hardest hit as elevated sea temperatures are expected to significantly reduce anchovy populations in its waters.
Higher temperatures in Peru are also expected to impact avocado production and other crops, while drought in other parts of Latin America is likely to reduce wheat, maize and rice harvests.
Sugar production in Brazil could also be impacted, leading to a reduction greater than the 3% predicted by Brazilian sugar cane producer association Unica, said Moody's.
Not all of the forecast effects of El Niño are negative, however. Soybean production in southern Brazil and northern Argentina should increase in 2015, which would in turn benefit logistics companies required to transport greater volumes.
El Niño could also have an impact on hydroelectric systems in the region, particularly in Brazil where dams supply 70% of the country's power.
Drought has worsened in Brazil in the last five months, but El Niño could help replenish reserves, especially in the country's southern region, said Moody's.
