Brazil Reclaims Top Spot for Chinese Investment in 2025

In 2025 Brazil attracted US$6.1 billion of Chinese outbound capital, a 45 % rise from the prior year and the highest share of any destination worldwide. The inflow covered 52 projects and represented 10.9 % of China’s total overseas investment, outpacing the United States’ 6.8 % share.

Brazil becomes the favorite destination for Chinese investments in 2025, receives US$ 6.1 billion, and sees energy, mining, and electric cars drive a new wave of money from China.

Brazil’s weak real, 200 million-plus consumer base, abundant minerals and a government push for clean energy have drawn Chinese firms such as CMOC, BYD, GWM, Meituan and Jovi. The Brazil-China Business Council (CEBC), identified as the China-Brazil Business Council (CBBC) in some outlets, released the report; its research director Tulio Cariello, analysts Zhou Mi and Yue Yunxia, and Jovi product director Andre Varga have all commented on the partnership.

Reuters

Electricity projects received US$1.79 billion (29.5 % of the total), the largest yearly allocation since 2020. Mining attracted US$1.76 billion, more than tripling the 2024 level; CMOC acquired gold mines from Canada’s Equinox Gold for roughly US$1 billion. The automotive sector – led by BYD, which bought Ford’s former complex in Bahia, and GWM, which acquired Mercedes’ São Paulo plant – secured US$965 million (15.8 %). Sustainability and green-energy initiatives comprised 31 of the 52 ventures, accounting for 60 % of Chinese projects. Seven planned investments, potentially worth US$2.76 billion, did not materialise in 2025.

Brazil becomes the favorite destination for Chinese investments in 2025, receives US$ 6.1 billion, and sees energy, mining, and electric cars drive a new wave of money from China.

The capital surge deepens China-Brazil economic ties, shifting from commodity trade to joint production and supply-chain integration. Brazil’s role as a gateway to the wider Latin American market aligns with China’s Belt and Road outreach. Bilateral trade hit a record US$171 billion in 2025, up 8.2 % year-on-year, underscoring mutual benefits amid global geopolitical tensions and the push for decarbonisation.

Global Times

CEBC officials called Brazil a long-term strategic priority for Chinese investors, citing its market size, resource base and clean-energy agenda. Chinese analysts forecast continued roll-outs, especially in mining, new-energy and industrial projects. Both governments pledged to broaden cooperation in trade, finance and infrastructure under the Belt and Road framework.

Global Times

The CEBC report notes that, while US$6.1 billion was invested, seven planned ventures worth US$2.76 billion did not materialise, leaving a measurable shortfall.

South China Morning Post

• “We have seen greater diversification, including in areas where China used to invest in the United States ,” — Tulio Cariello, content and research director, CEBC.

South China Morning Post

• “There are only a few countries in the world today that have all these characteristics,” — Tulio Cariello, CEBC.

Reuters

• “Brazil is a long-term strategic priority for Jovi,” — Andre Varga, product director, Jovi.

Reuters

• “Geopolitical factors have also come into play, as mutual benefits and shared needs drive corporate decisions, according to Zhou.” — Zhou Mi, senior research fellow, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

Global Times

CEBC projects further growth in mining, new-energy and industrial projects. The July 2025 Belt and Road agreement foresees deeper infrastructure and finance collaboration, keeping Brazil central to Chinese overseas investment.

Global Times