South Korean President Lee visited Brazil and Chile this week to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals and energy supply chains [1, 2].
These diplomatic efforts aim to insulate South Korea's industrial sector from supply chain disruptions while expanding its footprint in the green energy market. By securing raw materials directly from South American sources, Seoul intends to reduce its dependence on a limited number of global suppliers.
The tour follows a stop in San Francisco during July 2026, where the president focused on artificial intelligence and semiconductor collaboration [2]. During that visit, Lee secured investment pledges for the semiconductor industry to maintain the nation's competitive edge in high-tech manufacturing [2].
In Brazil and Chile, the focus shifted toward the extraction and trade of minerals essential for battery production and electronics [1]. These resources are vital for the continued growth of South Korea's automotive and technology sectors, industries that rely heavily on stable imports of lithium and other rare earth elements [1, 2].
President Lee said the goal of the tour is to deepen trade agreements and ensure a steady flow of materials for the domestic industry [1]. The administration is prioritizing partnerships that combine technological expertise from Asia with the natural resource wealth of South America [2].
This strategic pivot reflects a broader effort to diversify trade partners across the Western Hemisphere. By linking AI investments in the U.S. with mineral security in South America, South Korea is attempting to build a comprehensive global network for its next-generation industries [1, 2].
“President Lee visited Brazil and Chile this week to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals.”
South Korea is executing a dual-track strategy to secure its economic future. By pairing high-end technological partnerships in the US with raw material agreements in South America, the country is attempting to control both the beginning and the end of the tech supply chain. This reduces vulnerability to geopolitical tensions and ensures the stability of its semiconductor and electric vehicle industries.
