The Ripple Effect of Brazil Tariffs on the Uncrewed Industry

By Mickey Miller, CEO, Vislink

I'm often asked what keeps me up at night. Right now, it's not just the next breakthrough technology or the latest market trend - it's the resilience of our global supply chains. The recent 50% tariffs imposed on Brazilian imports have brought this concern into sharp focus, reminding us how vulnerable and deeply interconnected our industry truly is.

When most people think of Brazil, they picture coffee or beef exports. But for those of us working to advance uncrewed systems and secure communications worldwide, Brazil represents something far more strategic: rare earth elements.

Brazil's Hidden Strategic Resource

Brazil holds some of the world's largest reserves of rare earth elements, ranking third globally according to the U.S. Geological Survey's 2025 report (USGS). These materials are essential for high-performance magnets used in drone propulsion systems, advanced antennas, and critical communications components (source: International Trade Association; United States Geological Survey).

Adding to this challenge, China - historically the world's largest supplier of rare earth materials - has recently imposed strict export restrictions on rare earth magnets, further tightening global supply. Despite recent moves in July and August to loosen these restrictions, supply remains tight and prices at historic highs. This dual pressure highlights the urgent need for diversified, resilient sourcing strategies.

Any disruption to this supply chain can mean higher costs, longer lead times, and delays in delivering secure, high-performance technologies that industries and governments depend on.

Vislink's Role as a Global Stakeholder

Vislink is an active and responsible stakeholder in the global uncrewed industry. Our commitment goes beyond simply protecting our own operations - we are dedicated to supporting the entire ecosystem by championing innovation, building resilient supply networks and fostering strong international partnerships.

We are proactively diversifying material sources, expanding our global supplier relationships, and investing in research to develop alternative materials and design solutions. This approach helps reduce dependencies and strengthens the stability of the industry as a whole.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

While these tariffs and export restrictions present significant challenges, they also offer an important opportunity to innovate and rethink our strategies. By investing in regional mining, refining, and advanced manufacturing capabilities - and by strengthening global collaboration - we can build a more agile, resilient future.

This isn't just about one policy decision. It's about creating a robust, adaptable, and collaborative global industry that can continue to advance critical technologies despite shifting geopolitical landscapes.

At Vislink, we believe that together, we can transform today's supply chain challenges into powerful drivers of growth and innovation. Let's seize this moment and build a stronger, more secure future for everyone.