Brazil had over the past 20 years developed into a major industrial power in Latin America. Brazil supplied the steel used in construction in Paraguay, Bolivia and Peru. In addition it was now one of the suppliers of steel in Neuva Granada and the Central American Republic. Brazilian Steel was used to construct some of the improvements in the America Canal. It also provided construction material for the Portuguese colonies in Africa. The Royal Hawaiian Petroleum Corporation had partnered with Brazilians and Portuguese companies to drill for oil in Angola