while it should be understood that brazil are rich in resources, just because CSN is tending to grow over Tata, does not indicate that they are anywhere close to the race to the top of the world against india and china. however, cheap labor is a major levarage for third world countries over others- one of the reason why india is growing. so yes, brazil is there but not quite there yet to compete with the likes of india and china. a thought provoking article though! thanks captain da killer! :P LooTe