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