The China-Global South Podcast Why Chinese Companies Are Pouring Money Into Brazil
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Sep 16, 2025 Tulio Cariello, Director of Content and Research at the Brazil-China Business Council, reveals the explosive growth of Chinese investment in Brazil, with a stunning 113% increase in just one year. He discusses how these investments span crucial sectors like renewable energy, mining, and manufacturing. As China shifts its focus from the U.S. and seeks strategic partnerships, Cariello explains the importance of localized negotiations and Brazil's emerging role as a gateway for Chinese companies in Latin America.
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China Shifted Soybean Purchases To Brazil
- Eric highlights that China bought zero soybeans and corn from the U.S. this year, shifting purchases to Brazil.
- U.S. farmers lost huge market share, with China previously buying up to 60% of U.S. soybeans.
Big Spike Driven By Capital-Intensive Sectors
- Chinese FDI in Brazil jumped 113% in 2024 to $4.2 billion driven by capital-intensive energy, oil and mining projects.
- Renewables led growth but oil and mining also surged, explaining the sharp year-on-year rise.
Renewables Growth Coexists With Oil Investment
- China invests heavily in renewables but keeps funding oil because it still needs fossil energy to power the transition.
- Chinese oil majors like CNOOC made almost $1 billion investments in Brazil in 2024.