Together on the path to a stronger, more resilient industry

Doubling German-Brazilian trade volume in the coming years—this was the goal set by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the 42nd German-Brazilian Economic Meeting. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also sees great potential in bilateral economic relations, particularly in digitalization, renewable energy, sustainable mobility, security and defense, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, data security, and other areas. The EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which is set to provisionally enter into force on May 1, 2026, offers ideal conditions for intensifying cooperation.

This positive mood characterized the Economic Meeting on April 19 and 20 at HANNOVER MESSE, which was very well attended with over 700 participants. At the start of the conference, LADW Chairman Thomas Schmall, Member of the Volkswagen AG Group Board of Management and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, stated:

Brazil is one of the most important investment locations for German industry abroad. With 244,000 employees, German companies generate nearly 70 billion euros there annually. This already makes the country the fourth-largest market outside of Europe.

The conditions for a closer partnership are better than they have been in a long time. Now is the moment to turn potential into shared growth. To do so, we need more business-friendly framework conditions.

On stage, everyone agreed: resilience comes from partnership. Brazil and Germany can jointly tap into new markets, diversify supply chains, and advocate for an open, rules-based economic order. The 43rd German-Brazilian Economic Meeting will take place in Londrina (Brazil) in 2027.