拉美锂矿被抢疯了！美国砸50亿购买，中国36亿港口直接断其后路

Core Insights - The geopolitical competition between the US and China is intensifying in Latin America, particularly in the lithium and rare earth sectors, as both countries seek to secure resources and establish supply chains [4][16]. Group 1: US Strategic Moves - The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) plans to invest $5 billion in lithium and rare earth projects in Argentina and Brazil over the next three years [4]. - The US aims to build a "non-China processing chain" by controlling Latin American resources to diminish China's dominance in critical mineral supply chains [4][16]. Group 2: China's Investments - China has been actively involved in Latin America, participating in 37 port projects by 2025, creating a logistics network that connects the Pacific and Atlantic [6]. - Chinese companies are investing in lithium processing facilities in Bolivia, reflecting a broader trend of resource nationalism in the region [9]. Group 3: Resource Nationalism - Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile have introduced regulations requiring foreign companies to build processing plants locally and transfer technology, impacting foreign investments [9]. - Brazil has implemented a 50% export tax on unprocessed rare earth minerals, complicating operations for US companies while benefiting Chinese firms [11]. Group 4: Political Landscape - The political climate in Latin America is shifting, with elections influencing resource policies. In Chile, leftist candidate Janette Jara's proposal for a state lithium company caused market fluctuations [12][14]. - The outcome of Bolivia's elections could determine the future of lithium mining, with potential openings for US companies if right-wing candidates win [14]. Group 5: Technological Innovations - The Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology developed by SQM and EnergyX has significantly improved lithium recovery rates and reduced production time, reshaping the global lithium supply landscape [16]. - AI exploration techniques are being employed in Brazil to lower exploration costs, indicating a technological race in the rare earth sector [14]. Group 6: Argentina's Balancing Act - Argentina is leveraging its position by signing a key minerals cooperation memorandum with the US while maintaining a currency swap agreement with China, attracting a 23% increase in foreign investment in the first half of 2025 [17]. - The introduction of the SUPER platform in Chile has streamlined mining permit processes, balancing efficiency with national interests [17].