TRADE NEGOTIATIONS
As tariffs loom, Brazil softens its stance on rare earth elements
President Lula (right) called rare earths “non-negotiable” last week. Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira was much less adamant. Photo: Marcelo Camargo/EBC
At a rally last week, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva fiercely defended Brazil’s natural resources, stating, “No one’s laying a hand [on our rich minerals].” His remarks followed reports that the United States is interested in Brazil’s critical minerals — vital for high-tech industries, especially in clean energy technologies.
But just days later, Brazil’s mines and energy minister, Alexandre Silveira, adopted a more pragmatic tone…
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