In a pivotal move for global electric mobility, Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, met with BYD’s Latin America Vice-President, Oscar Su, in China to expand Chinese investment in Brazil’s electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing sectors. The high-level talks focused on deepening cooperation in lithium extraction, battery production, and EV development, positioning Brazil as a key player in the global clean energy transition.
The discussions come at a strategic time, amid rising global demand for critical minerals and increasing trade tensions between the United States and China. Brazil is seizing the opportunity to enhance its role in the EV supply chain by leveraging its vast mineral reserves and growing domestic market.
“BYD is looking to partner with Brazilian firms to secure lithium supplies and scale up battery manufacturing,” said Minister Silveira, emphasizing Brazil’s ambition to become a central hub in the EV value chain.
BYD, which has already established a major EV manufacturing complex in Bahia, is pushing for vertical integration — controlling every step from lithium extraction to battery assembly. This model aims to reduce production costs and foster technological self-sufficiency within Brazil’s automotive sector.
The company’s Bahia facility will produce electric and hybrid vehicles tailored to the local market, underlining BYD’s commitment to long-term operations in Brazil. The deepening partnership aligns with Brazil’s broader goals to modernize its industrial base, generate employment, and reduce dependence on imported technologies.
“Brazil offers unique advantages — from raw materials to a growing EV market. This partnership is about creating a win-win model for sustainable development,” said Oscar Su of BYD.
Lithium: The New Oil in Brazil’s Green Industrial Strategy
The collaboration highlights lithium as a cornerstone of Brazil’s new industrial strategy. With lithium demand surging globally, securing its extraction and processing is seen as a critical step toward building a resilient, high-value electric mobility ecosystem.
The meeting also signals a geopolitical recalibration, as Brazil positions itself as a neutral, resource-rich partner in the midst of U.S.-China competition over high-tech industries and clean energy leadership.
This strategic alliance could mark a new chapter for South America’s largest economy — turning its natural resource wealth into technological and industrial strength, while giving BYD a firm foothold in the region’s electric future.
As the world accelerates toward a low-carbon economy, Brazil’s bet on lithium and EV production could place it squarely on the map as a global green energy powerhouse.
