U.S. Frets Over Potential Chinese Role in Brazil’s Santos Port

An aerial view picture of the port of Santos, the largest port complex in Latin America and one of the largest in the world, taken on July 17, 2025, in Santos, Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Brazil expressed its 'indignation' regarding the proposed 50-percent US trade tariff but stated it remained committed to negotiations, according to a letter to Washington that was made public on July 16, 2025. (Photo by Nelson ALMEIDA / AFP)

Kevin Murakami, the U.S. consul general in São Paulo, said Washington would oppose a Chinese company winning a tender for a planned large container terminal at Brazil’s Port of Santos, one of Latin America’s most strategic trade hubs.

Murakami warned Brazilian stakeholders about allowing the project—known as Tecon 10—to fall into “undesirable hands”, widely interpreted as a reference to Chinese companies. The date for the tender has not yet been formally announced.

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by CGSP Staff

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