FROM “MADE IN CHINA” TO “DEVELOPED IN CHINA”: CHINESE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH BRAZIL

Abstract

International trade relations are, in our view, a key element for understanding a country’s economy, especially regarding the qualification and classification of its production. From this perspective, and with the aim of discussing the partnership between Brazil and China in a context of technological advancement and energy transition, we analyzed the spatial distribution of the vehicle fleet based on data from Senatran, as well as imports from China using data from Secex. This process revealed a dynamic of high motorization rates in Brazil, with distinct patterns depending on the position and population size of cities. In smaller cities, there has been an expansion of the motorcycle fleet. Moreover, in larger urban centers, the electrified fleet has stood out, driven by the strong presence of Chinese automakers in this market and their significant territorial footprint in Brazil. We conclude that, based on the data analysis and economic literature, China’s industrial and technological development policy—combined with its international trade relations policy—is crucial to changing the perception of the profile of Chinese products. This shift is also reflected in the growing presence of China in the Brazilian electrified vehicle market and its expansion beyond major urban centers.