Korean Companies in Brazil & LatAm — 2026-10-23
Samsung Bioepis has secured a significant 10-year exclusive supply deal with Brazil’s Ministry of Health for its biosimilar drug SB12. Meanwhile, South Korea’s state-owned KOMIR highlighted Latin America’s critical role in supplying minerals for Korea’s AI and semiconductor ambitions, with Chile and Brazil as key partners. Additionally, Pan Ocean signed a major long-term freight contract with Brazil’s Vale to transport iron ore.
Korean Companies in Brazil & LatAm — 2026-10-23
Top developments
Samsung Bioepis Secures 10-Year Supply Deal in Brazil
On October 20, 2026, Samsung Bioepis announced it had signed a local partnership agreement to supply SB12, a biosimilar of Soliris (eculizumab), to Brazil’s Ministry of Health. The deal is exclusive for a period of 10 years, marking a significant entry for the Korean biopharmaceutical firm into the Brazilian public health sector.
KOMIR Highlights LatAm Role in Critical Minerals for Korea’s AI Push
In an interview published on October 22, 2026, Wonseok Choi, chief of South Korean state firm KOMIR in Chile, stated that Latin America will be a crucial partner for Korea’s next decade of technological growth. He emphasized that Korea’s push into semiconductors, physical AI, and data centers will drive demand for copper, molybdenum, and lithium, with Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Brazil gaining ground in Korea’s diversification strategy.
Pan Ocean Signs $147 Million Freight Contract with Vale
On October 22, 2026, Korean shipping firm Pan Ocean disclosed it had signed a long-term freight contract with Brazil’s Vale worth 211.7 billion won ($147 million) to ship iron ore. This contract underscores the deepening logistical ties between Korean shipping giants and Brazilian mining operations, supporting the raw material flows essential for Korea’s industrial base.
Deals, expansion & investment
Samsung Bioepis’s clarification on the Brazil deal noted that while the 10-year supply agreement is signed, specific financial terms have not yet been finalized. This deal represents a strategic move to penetrate the Brazilian public health market with biosimilars.
Regulation & market context
Brazil and Korea are actively advancing negotiations for a Mercosur–South Korea trade deal. On October 21, it was reported that Brazil is stepping up efforts to finalize this agreement, which is seen as a strategic necessity to diversify markets amid global trade tensions.
On the radar
- KOMIR Mineral Strategy: Keep an eye on upcoming specific mining partnership announcements between KOMIR and Brazilian or Chilean firms as Korea seeks to secure lithium and copper for its AI infrastructure.
- Samsung Bioepis Financials: Watch for the finalization of financial terms for the Brazil SB12 supply deal, which could indicate the scale of Korean biopharma investment in LatAm public health systems.
By the numbers
- $147 million: Value of the long-term iron ore freight contract signed by Pan Ocean with Brazil’s Vale.
- 10 years: Duration of the exclusive supply deal between Samsung Bioepis and Brazil’s Ministry of Health for SB12.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
