US to investigate China’s investments in Brazil’s agribusiness

The US government will investigate Chinese interest in Brazil’s agribusiness sector, according to the annual intelligence budget bill, currently under review in the US Senate. Lawmakers are concerned about investments from the world’s second-largest economy in Brazil and the close ties between Chinese authorities and Brazil, Valor reported.

The information is included in the Intelligence Authorization Act, the annual funding legislation for US intelligence agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Agency (NSA). The law, set for fiscal year 2026 —which for the US government begins on October 1, 2025— mentions Brazil over two pages in a chapter dedicated to China. The 280-page bill mainly addresses the allocation of resources for intelligence agencies and efforts to combat threats to US national security.

The investigation into Chinese connections with Brazil’s agribusiness will be carried out amid the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. In theory, the results of the intelligence analysis could be used to shape the US Congress’s view of Brazilian agriculture, providing lawmakers with information not available through traditional channels.

According to the bill, approved by the US Senate Intelligence Committee on July 15, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard will prepare an assessment and report on the People’s Republic of China’s investments in Brazil’s agricultural sector after consulting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. The report must be presented within 90 days of the presidential signature.