Chinese Investors Go Nuts for Brazil
00:00/00:00
Listen to this article
1x
Subscribe now
Listen to the full version
Listen to the full version
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addresses the Brazil-China Business Seminar on May 12. Photo: CCIIP
A cohort of Chinese companies are pouring cash into Brazil, across sectors ranging from beverages and automotive to food delivery and renewable energy.
During the Brazil-China Business Seminar held earlier this month, Chinese firms announced some 27 billion reais ($4.7 billion) of investments into Latin America’s biggest economy. The moves mark a deepening of the commercial ties between the two countries as rising geopolitical tensions push Chinese investors to find new markets.
You've accessed an article available only to subscribers
VIEW OPTIONS
Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.
Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.
- RELATED
Share this article
Open WeChat and scan the QR code
- DIGEST HUB
Digest Hub
Back
Explore the story in 30 seconds
- Chinese firms announced $4.7 billion in new investments in Brazil across sectors including beverages, automotive, food delivery, and renewable energy.
- China's direct investment in Brazil reached $45.3 billion in 2023, up 22.1% year-on-year; bilateral trade was $188.2 billion in 2024.
- Major Chinese companies such as Mixue, Meituan, Great Wall Motor, and Envision Group are expanding operations, despite challenges from Brazil’s complex tax system and labor issues.
AI generated, for reference only
Who’s Who
- Mixue Group
- Mixue Group, a Chinese milk-tea chain, announced plans to purchase at least 4 billion yuan worth of Brazilian products over the next three to five years. The company aims to build a supply chain in Brazil, open its first store there in 2024, and construct a factory in the country.
- Meituan
- Meituan plans to introduce its food delivery platform Keeta in Brazil in the coming months. The company intends to invest $1 billion over the next five years to expand Keeta’s presence within the country.
- Keeta
- Keeta is a food delivery platform that Meituan plans to launch in Brazil in the coming months. Additionally, Meituan intends to invest $1 billion over the next five years to expand Keeta’s reach within the country.
- Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd.
- Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd. announced a 6 billion reais investment plan to scale up its operations in Brazil, Mexico, and other South American countries. The Chinese automaker aims to use the region as an export hub, marking a significant expansion of its presence in Latin America.
- Envision Group
- Envision Group, best known for making wind turbines, announced a deal to build “Net-Zero Industrial Parks” in Brazil, which it claims are the first of their kind in Latin America. These parks will focus on producing sustainable aviation fuel.
- Didi Global Inc.
- Didi Global Inc., the Chinese ride-hailing giant, is among the companies planning to invest in Brazil, as highlighted in the article. Although specific details about Didi's planned investments were not disclosed, its participation reflects the growing interest of Chinese firms in expanding their presence in Brazil across various sectors.
- China General Nuclear Power Corp.
- According to the article, China General Nuclear Power Corp. is among the Chinese companies planning to invest in Brazil as part of a broader wave of Chinese corporate investment across various sectors in the country. Specific details about the scale or focus of China General Nuclear Power Corp.'s investments in Brazil were not provided in the article.
- BYD Co. Ltd.
- BYD Co. Ltd. faced labor issues in Brazil when the government halted construction of its factory in Bahia in December, citing poor worker conditions. BYD responded by cutting ties with the outsourcing provider involved and stated its commitment to fully comply with local legislation.
AI generated, for reference only
What Happened When
- 2014–2024：
- Brazil announced 137 greenfield investment projects from China, valued at $10.6 billion.
- 2024：
- China and Brazil celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
- 2024：
- Trade between China and Brazil rose to $188.2 billion, a 3.56% year-on-year increase, according to customs data.
- February 2024：
- The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency released data showing that in 2023, China’s direct investment in Brazil totaled $45.3 billion, a 22.1% increase year-on-year.
- December 2024：
- The Brazilian government halted the construction of a BYD Co. Ltd. factory due to labor concerns.
- 2025：
- Mixue Group is planning to open its first store in Brazil and build a factory.
- Earlier May 2025：
- During the Brazil-China Business Seminar, Chinese firms announced 27 billion reais ($4.7 billion) of investments in Brazil.
AI generated, for reference only
- PODCAST
- MOST POPULAR
Sign in with Google
Sign in with Facebook
Sign in with 财新