Author: Fundación Andrés Bello

China’s dominance in world steel production puts pressure on Latin America’s steel sector

According to studies conducted by the Latin American Steel Association (Alacero), the steel sector in the region is expected to experience a gradual recovery in 2023. However, several factors contribute to the sluggishness, including uncertainties surrounding international trade and domestic policies implemented by China to revive its steel production for industrial recovery.

Government of Panama and Chinese consortium agree to restart construction of the Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal

The Government of Panama has signed an addendum with a Chinese consortium to resume the construction of the Fourth Bridge over the Interoceanic Canal, a significant infrastructure project with a budget of $1.518 billion. The Panama Fourth Bridge Consortium (CPCP), comprising China Communications Construction Company LTD and China Harbour Engineering Company LTD, was initially awarded the project in 2018. However, financing difficulties and design changes led to a suspension of the work in 2020.

Enel Peru is acquired by state-owned China Southern Power Grid

Enel, the Italian electricity company, has reached an agreement to sell all the shares it holds in Enel Distribución Perú, which represents 83.15% of its share capital, as well as all the shares of Enel X Perú, accounting for 100% of its share capital, to China Southern Power Grid International.

Chinese, Russian, and U.S. companies join lithium extraction in Bolivia

Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB) President, Carlos Ramos, announced that four Chinese companies, namely Citic Guoan, Tbea Group, CATL BRUNP & CMOC (CBC), and Fusion Enertech, have successfully conducted tests of their Direct Lithium Lithiation Extraction (DLE) technology in Bolivia’s Potosí and Oruro salt flats. These companies participated in YLB’s international tender for EDL technology selection, and so far, CBC is the only one that has signed an agreement with the Bolivian government.

Chinese billionaire Jack Ma considers investing in Uruguay’s meat sector

The founder of Alibaba, Jack Ma, made a three-day private visit to the Solís Meatpacking Plant in Lavalleja, Uruguay, according to business sources confirmed by El Observador. Although he did not engage with national authorities, a commercial secretary from the Chinese embassy in Uruguay reportedly accompanied the billionaire.

Brazil and China seal new trade agreements

Brazil and China have jointly announced the establishment of a Clearing House to facilitate business transactions and loans between the two nations, bypassing the need for the U.S. dollar. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China will serve as the operating bank for the Clearing House in Brazil, enabling Brazilian and Chinese businesses to conduct transactions and loans using the yuan instead of exclusively relying on the dollar, as it has been the case until now.

EPM signs contract with Chinese company to promote solar energy project in Colombia

The Colombian company EPM has signed a contract with Powerchina International Group Limited, Colombia branch, to implement the Tepuy Photovoltaic Solar Park, its first large-scale renewable energy project in Colombia. This non-conventional renewable energy project will contribute 83 megawatts of renewable energy to the National Interconnected System (SIN), which could supply a city of 400,000 inhabitants.

Sodium-ion batteries: the new China-driven alternative to replace lithium

The Chinese company JAC presented its first electric car powered by a sodium-ion battery, a much more affordable material than lithium. Sodium-ion batteries are the focus of scientific attention given their potential to dethrone lithium as a key mineral in the development of electromobility, which in the future may affect the countries that make up the “lithium triangle” in Latin America.

China and Brazil aim to cooperate in the photovoltaic industry

Chinese electronics company TCL is considering closer cooperation with Brazilian home appliance manufacturer SEMP. SEMP founder Affonso Brandão Hennel and TCL Group president Li Dongsheng met in Shenzhen, China, to explore opportunities to collaborate and expand their joint business into the photovoltaic sector.

Chinese Minister of Environment highlighted Costa Rica’s contribution to COP15.2

Huan Runqiu, President of COP15 and Minister of Ecology and Environment of China, sent a formal note to the Minister of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica, Franz Tattenbach, to highlight the work of the Costa Rican team at the United Nations Biodiversity Summit (COP15.2). In the message, he acknowledged Costa Rica’s great contribution to achieving the agreement to include the 30×30 target presented by the High Ambition Coalition, which has significantly increased the visibility of COP15 and the conservation of global biodiversity. The COP15 President highlighted the dedication, determination, and leadership of the Costa Rican team during the COP15.2 negotiations.

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