Brazil and China’s Transcontinental Railway: A New Era in South American Connectivity
Introduction
In May 2025, Brazil and China advanced negotiations on one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the Western Hemisphere: a transcontinental railway linking Brazil’s agricultural and industrial heartland to the Chinese-built Chancay megaport on Peru’s Pacific coast. This railway, if realized, will mark a transformative chapter in South America’s economic history, shifting trade flows, deepening Sino-Brazilian strategic ties, and reshaping the continent’s relationship with Asia and the wider world.
This report examines the origins, technical scope, economic and geopolitical implications, environmental and social considerations, and the broader context of the Brazil–China transcontinental railway project. Drawing on recent developments and strategic agreements, it provides a comprehensive analysis of how this corridor could alter the landscape of Latin American trade and international relations.
