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International cooperation

Brazil's Critical Minerals: A Key Player in Tariff Negotiations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Brazil's Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has announced that proposals involving the country's critical minerals are under consideration as part of the federal government's efforts to negotiate with the United States a reduction in import tariffs. The MME stated that Brazil could offer the U.S. cooperation agreements on critical minerals, such as rare earth elements and manganese, to produce more efficient batteries. However, President Lula emphasized the need for a national policy that ensures the exploitation of these resources benefits the Brazilian people.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) is considering proposals involving Brazil's critical minerals as part of the federal government's efforts to negotiate with the U.S. a reduction in import tariffs on Brazilian products.
  • Brazil has the second-largest reserves of critical minerals in the world, behind only China, according to the 2025 data release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
  • The U.S. lists 50 minerals as critical, many of which are used in high-tech equipment, electric vehicle batteries, defense applications, and more.
  • Brazil's production of critical minerals remains limited, despite its significant reserves.
  • The MME plans to launch a National Policy on Critical and Strategic Minerals in 2025 to expand geological research, increase value-added production, foster innovation, and attract investment.
  • President Lula emphasized the need for a national policy that ensures the exploitation of rare earths and critical minerals benefits the Brazilian people.

Statistics:

  • Brazil has the second-largest reserves of critical minerals in the world (USGS, 2025).
  • Brazil has the world's fourth-largest reserves of manganese.
  • Brazil's nickel reserves rank third globally.
  • Brazil holds the top spot in niobium reserves.
  • The U.S. lists 50 minerals as critical.
  • 50 critical minerals are essential to the US economy and national security.
  • Brazil's production of critical minerals remains limited, despite its significant reserves.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), Valor, [no date]
  • Fernando Haddad, interview with BandNews, 4, [no date]
  • President Lula, Brasília, during a meeting of the Sustainable Economic and Social Development Council, 5, [no date]
  • Energy Act of 2020
  • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 2025 data release

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