Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, met with BYD 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 amid rising global demand for critical minerals and escalating trade tensions between the United States and China. Brazil is seizing the opportunity to leverage its vast mineral reserves and growing domestic EV market to enhance its role in the EV supply chain.
“BYD is looking to partner with Brazilian firms to secure lithium supplies and scale up battery manufacturing,” said Minister Silveira, underscoring Brazil’s ambition to become a central hub in the EV value chain.
BYD, which already operates a major EV manufacturing complex in Bahia, is advocating 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 expansion at the Bahia facility will include the production of electric and hybrid vehicles tailored to the local market, aligning with Brazil’s broader objectives to modernize its industrial base, generate employment and reduce reliance on imported technologies.
Lithium has emerged as the cornerstone of Brazil’s green industrial strategy, with global demand surging. Securing extraction and processing capabilities is seen as critical to building a resilient, high‑value electric mobility ecosystem, while also enabling Brazil to assert itself as a neutral, resource‑rich partner amid U.S.‑China competition.
