Comparison of US vs Chinese industrial production.

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Brazil is positioning itself as a serious contender in the global data center race. With a $65 billion artificial intelligence hub now underway in Rio de Janeiro and sweeping tax incentives on the table, the country is betting big on becoming a digital infrastructure powerhouse.

The ambitious “Rio AI City” project, launched last week, aims to deliver a staggering 3 gigawatts of data center capacity by 2032. The hub will be built in Barra da Tijuca, a rapidly developing district in Rio, and is backed by a memorandum of understanding between the city and federal institutions including the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES).

At the signing ceremony, Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes pointed to a favorable blend of conditions: clean and abundant energy, fiber optic infrastructure, and—perhaps most importantly—a deep pool of skilled human capital. “We have the support of the BNDES, clean energy, underground cables, and talent. Everything we need to lead,” he said.

The timing is no coincidence. Brazil is expected to attract demand for 10 gigawatts of data center capacity in the next decade. That’s according to Igor Marchesini, special adviser to the Ministry of Finance, who emphasized the country’s unique competitive edge: a clean energy matrix that avoids the grid pressure and public pushback seen in markets like Ireland and Virginia.

“Our electricity mix is already clean,” Marchesini noted at the recent Energy Summit 2025. “We won’t see rising power bills or environmental damage—and that’s a big advantage.”

Indeed, Brazil has already exceeded its goal of reaching 84% renewable electricity by 2030. Solar and wind capacity are both on track to soar by the end of the decade, reinforcing the country’s green energy credentials.

The government is also finalizing a major tax incentive plan. A provisional measure offering a 52% tax reduction for data centers is ready to go and awaiting approval by Congress. The goal: drive investment into underdeveloped regions like the Northeast, where surplus energy capacity can meet surging global demand and help bridge regional inequalities.

BNDES is putting money behind the vision too, preparing a dedicated investment fund for data centers and AI projects. Initial funding will range between $90 million and $180 million, with a target of up to $900 million once private capital is factored in. Since 2023, the bank has already committed over $300 million to the sector.

Still, industry leaders warn that Brazil’s potential hinges on a careful regulatory balance. Alessandro Lombardi, CEO of Elea Data Centers, said that while investor interest is high, overregulation could dampen momentum. “We can’t have three different bills floating around—we need one clear framework,” he said.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s national AI strategy is beginning to take shape. With over $4 billion in planned investments through 2028, the government is laying the groundwork for long-term leadership in artificial intelligence.

“AI is not just about innovation—it’s about national sovereignty,” said Luciana Santos, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. “It’s a growth engine, and we want to make sure it delivers social equity too.”

Brazil’s rare combination of renewable energy strength, political will, and investor appetite could help it become Latin America’s leading technology hub. But to seize this opportunity, the country will need to keep regulation smart, support infrastructure buildout, and move quickly—before the global data center gold rush leaves it behind.

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With the C919, China is presenting its first serious challenger to the mid-range aircraft models produced by Airbus and Boeing. The aircraft, developed by the state-owned manufacturer Comac, symbolizes Beijing’s goal of reducing technological dependencies and becoming independently competitive in key strategic industries.

Although the project was launched back in 2008, it took years of development, testing, and certification before the aircraft officially entered commercial service in 2023. Today, the C919 is already in operation with several Chinese airlines, and hundreds more have been ordered—a clear sign of the program’s strategic importance.

China’s domestic market gives Comac a significant advantage. The country’s aviation sector is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the world. Through government support and preferential treatment over Western manufacturers, the C919 can secure a strong foothold in this home market. In the long term, however, China is clearly aiming to compete globally.

A key barrier remains international certification—especially in Europe and the U.S. Without these approvals, exports to Western markets will remain limited. Still, there are early signs that international airlines are beginning to take notice of the C919, particularly as rising prices from established manufacturers prompt some to explore alternatives.

Technically, the C919 is competitive. It offers similar passenger capacity and range as comparable models from Airbus and Boeing. Larger and smaller variants are already in development to serve different segments of the market. Operating costs, according to the manufacturer, are also projected to be favorable.

At the same time, the aircraft still heavily relies on Western technology. Many of its key components—from engines to avionics—are sourced internationally. While China is working to bring these capabilities in-house, doing so will take time and substantial investment.

The C919 is a prime example of China’s long-term industrial strategy: secure domestic market access, build technological capabilities, and then push into global competition. For companies operating in or entering the Chinese market, this highlights once again how seriously the Chinese government takes the development of homegrown value chains—not only in IT or automotive, but increasingly in aerospace as well.

For market entry strategies, the implication is clear: Foreign companies looking to succeed in China must understand the political landscape and the state-supported industrial initiatives in detail. Ideally, they should find ways to participate constructively in these developments or offer complementary services. The evolution of the C919 makes one thing unmistakably clear—the rules of global competition are changing.

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A recent book takes a close look at Apple’s decades-long relationship with China, tracing how one of the world’s most influential companies became deeply enmeshed in the ambitions and realities of a rising superpower.

It begins in the late 1990s, when Apple shifted its manufacturing to China, initially to reduce costs. Over time, this evolved into a complex partnership. Apple poured billions into local infrastructure, training programs, and supplier development. In return, it gained access to unmatched speed, scale, and flexibility—capabilities that helped it dominate global markets.

But the relationship came at a price. Apple’s growing dependence on China gave the country leverage and strategic insight. Chinese companies once subcontracting for Apple grew into powerful competitors. Meanwhile, political pressures—on censorship, data control, and supply chain security—forced Apple to walk a delicate line.

The book doesn’t argue that Apple made the wrong choice, but rather that the relationship became something much larger and riskier than originally anticipated. It’s a story about ambition, compromise, and the unintended consequences of building too much of your future on someone else’s terms.

And yet, the conclusion is not to retreat. The reality is clear: if you’re serious about global scale—especially in hardware and manufacturing—you can’t afford to not be in China. But that presence must be strategic, informed, and well-advised.

The key takeaway is this: China is too important to avoid, and too complex to navigate alone. Success requires the right local partners, sharp strategy, and advisors who understand both the opportunity and the risk.

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Can you afford not to be in China? Talk to us, we’ll help you succeed in China.

Chopsticks sticking upright in rice is considered taboo in many East Asian cultures, especially in Japan and China, because it resembles incense sticks offered to the dead during funerary rites. It’s associated with death and is seen as disrespectful when done at the dining table.

Chinese are forgiving. But show that you respect their culture and never ever do this.

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What new consumer products are hitting the shelves in Germany? Which outlets are thriving — and why? What are your competitors doing differently?

With our Market Observation and Open Innovation services, you’ll stay on top of every shift in the German market. From product launches and retail trends to emerging technologies and new players, we deliver the insights that keep you ahead.

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What new consumer products are gaining traction in Brazil? Which retail outlets are setting the trends? What are your competitors doing — and what technologies are reshaping the market?

Our Market Observation and Open Innovation services keep you connected to the pulse of the Brazilian market. From product launches and retail movements to technological innovation and competitor strategies, we deliver the insights that drive smarter decisions.

What we deliver:
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✅ Actionable intelligence for product development and go-to-market strategy

Brazil is evolving fast — and so should your strategy. Whether entering the market or scaling up, we help you move with confidence and speed.

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Curious which consumer products are thriving in China — or worth adapting for local tastes? Which outlets are setting the pace? What are competitors launching, and which technologies are gaining momentum?

With our Market Observation and Open Innovation services, you gain a strategic lens into what’s working in the Chinese market — and why. From emerging product trends to successful retail formats and new tech adoption, we help you spot what’s relevant, replicable, and ripe for innovation.

Our services include:
✅ Monitoring new consumer product launches and local adaptations
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Whether you’re entering China or expanding within it, timely insights help you move faster, smarter, and with purpose.

Let’s explore the Chinese market — and uncover what’s next.

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