Brazil Summit 2026 in partnership with Rice's Baker Institute for Public Policy

8:00 – 8:20 a.m. - Registration & Breakfast

 

8:20 – 8:30 a.m - Welcome Remarks – Baker & BRATECC

 

8:30 – 9:45 a.m. -  Panel 1 – Political, Trade & Economic Overview: 

 

(i) Brazil’s upcoming elections and their potential impacts, including how the results may shape the country’s political, economic, and international landscape—particularly its trade relations with the United States;

(ii) Brazil’s economic priorities and its position in the global economy, with a focus on South America and other emerging markets. Although Brazil has experienced a recent economic recovery, significant challenges remain, including high inflation, public debt, and inequality; and

(iii) Brazil–U.S. trade relations, especially in light of recent tariffs and evolving bilateral interests.

 

9:45 – 10:05 a.m. - Minerals Fireside Chat: Brazil holds world-leading reserves of several critical minerals, including the largest share of niobium, as well as significant deposits of rare earth elements, graphite, manganese, lithium, and nickel. This session will provide an overview of Brazil’s mineral sector, highlight strategic opportunities in critical minerals, and discuss key industry challenges.

 

10:05 – 10:20 a.m. - Networking Break

The Energy sector panel will explorer: (i) the impacts of the U.S. One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), (ii) the current energy landscape in Brazil, including opportunities and regulatory developments; and (iii) the consequences of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, and is expected to influence both domestic and international energy policy.