By Ana Mano SAO PAULO (Reuters) -U.S.-based grain merchant Archer Daniels Midland is closing a pet food plant in Brazil, according to a statement sent this week to Reuters in response to questions, as part of broader efforts to streamline costs and operations.

Brazil's congress passed legislation on Thursday loosening environmental licensing, a potential blow to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as he seeks to burnish his country's green credentials before hosting the United Nations global climate summit,

Brazilian fuel retailer Vibra began talks with Brazilian conglomerate Cosan to buy Cosan's lubricants arm, Moove, local news outlet Brazil Journal reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Brazil’s judiciary has started sweeping crackdowns on speech and political rivals. A U.S. tariff response signals the crisis has gone international.

A bill to overhaul environmental regulations in Brazil was passed by the country's lower house Thursday, drawing criticism by the environmental minister who floated the possibility of a presidential veto.

Brazilian players, including six-time FIFA Player of the Year Marta, have criticised CONMEBOL and the organisers of the Women's Copa América in Ecuador for requiring teams to warm up in confined indoor areas rather than on the pitch.

A prosecutor has asked Brazil's Supreme Court to find ex-president Jair Bolsonaro guilty of plotting a violent coup after a trial that saw President Trump try to intervene.

Brazil's Senate on Wednesday approved in a first vote a constitutional amendment to change how the government accounts for court-ordered debt payments starting in 2027, potentially helping it meet fiscal target once considered unattainable.