Crisis in the Supply Chain or “Made in Brazil” Opportunities and Innovations for a More Resilient Sector?

By Rafael M. – Special for the Innovation and Industry Portal

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In recent years, the world has witnessed a series of systemic shocks that have shaken global supply chains—from the COVID-19 pandemic to the war in Ukraine, as well as climate disasters and technological disruptions. Despite these challenges, Brazil has demonstrated that crisis can also be a window for innovation, adaptation, and leadership in a sector that is vital to the global economy: the supply chain.

When analyzing the Brazilian landscape, several initiatives emerge that are focused on modernizing logistics infrastructure, strengthening the national industry, and incorporating technologies aligned with Industry 4.0. According to data from ApexBrasil and BNDES, there is a growing movement to stimulate investment in logistics projects and increase the competitiveness of Brazilian exports, with an emphasis on sectors such as renewable energy, agribusiness, and defense.

To better understand this transformation, we spoke with Jonathas R. Cerqueira, a supply chain engineer with 14 years of experience in sectors such as oil and gas, naval defense, and energy. Currently serving as a Supply Inspector at Petrobras, Jonathas offers a practical and international perspective on how Brazil can turn adversity into levers for growth.

“While working in Africa, I had the opportunity to lead a local team in Ghana, teaching them modern warehousing and inventory control techniques. It was an experience that showed how transformative technical knowledge can be. The same principle applies to Brazil: we need to invest in training, technology, and processes that generate autonomy and efficiency,” says Jonathas.

One project that illustrates this path is the FPSO P-82 from Petrobras, whose manufacturing Jonathas is currently overseeing in Singapore. The engineer highlights the importance of quality control, regulatory compliance, and logistical traceability as competitive advantages.

“We are at a point where traceability and standardization of logistics processes are vital not only to ensure efficient deliveries but also to reinforce the international credibility of Brazilian companies,” he explains.

According to a study published in Sustainability (MDPI, 2024), Brazil has the potential to consolidate itself as a “regional logistics hub,” connecting Latin American production chains with markets in Asia and Europe. However, this movement requires a new perspective on infrastructure, regulation, and innovation incentives.

Jonathas emphasizes that the adoption of tools like Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and the intensive use of KPIs (key performance indicators) are essential for this evolution.

“It’s not enough to cut costs in the short term. You need to think about total cost, durability, environmental impact, and associated risks. This strategic vision is what separates a reactive operation from a truly resilient supply chain,” comments the expert.

In addition to technological advances, Brazil has been investing in market diversification and export promotion, as shown by Comex Stat data, linked to the Ministry of the Economy. In 2023, there was a significant increase in the export of manufactured goods, demonstrating that Brazil’s logistical capacity is expanding despite historic bottlenecks.

And what about the future?

According to Jonathas, the future of the supply chain in Brazil will revolve around three main pillars: digitalization, sustainability, and regionalization. He points out that, with increasing global volatility, building shorter, regionally integrated, and real-time data-supported supply chains will be a major competitive differentiator.

“The supply chain can no longer be seen as a secondary sector. It’s at the heart of business strategy. Brazil has talent, resources, and now a historic window to position itself as a reference in logistics innovation,” he concludes.

The crisis, therefore, may be the starting point for a new cycle. A “Made in Brazil” cycle, where innovation and resilience go hand in hand — and where professionals like Jonathas R. Cerqueira demonstrate that the future of logistics is built with strategic vision, coordinated action, and, above all, knowledge.