Brazil, experiencing its largest economic expansion in three decades, is increasingly at the centreof international trade negotiations. As the world grapples with one of the most severe financialrecessions of all time, Brazil is using this opportunity to harness its authority regionally andglobally. The country's already booming exports, recent offshore oil discoveries, macroeconomicstabilization, efficient government policies, and strategic ties to other emerging powers suchas China are combining to transform Brazil into an economic superpower. Domestically, Brazilhas almost instantaneously been given added political clout, which it can use as leverage ininternational bargaining.