Rare Earth Security Deal: The U.S. Department of War agreed to pre-pay $750 million to buy rare earth magnets from Brazil’s Serra Verde project in Goiás, aiming to reduce reliance on China for neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium. Trade Talks Restart: Brazil’s development and foreign ministries will resume negotiations with the U.S. after Lula’s call with Trump, with tariffs tied to issues including deforestation, Pix, ethanol and forced labor claims. Industrial Policy Debate: A World Bank study reopens the case for industrial policy, saying tools must fit each country’s market size, institutions and fiscal room—relevant as Brazil’s New Brazilian Industry program faces distortion concerns. E-commerce Rules for Mercosur: Brazil enacted the Mercosur Electronic Commerce Agreement, cutting customs duties on cross-border e-transactions and adding data protection and cybersecurity cooperation. Electronics Compliance: CONAMA Resolution 516/2026 sets a “Brazilian RoHS” for hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, with staged deadlines and mandatory registry. Energy & Oil Expansion: Petrobras is moving toward offshore exploration talks in Ghana, seeking eligibility to negotiate contracts for four blocks in the Keta basin. Cybercrime Risk: A Brazil fraud survey says social-engineering scams drive 40% of reported financial fraud, often via phones and Pix. Brazilian Manufacturing Exports: ABIMAQ reports machinery exports up 12.6% to $6.5bn in H1 2026, supported by trade promotion across Latin America and Asia. Automotive Update: Volkswagen unveiled the new Tukan pickup in Brazil, replacing the Saveiro, with sales planned for early 2027.