REGRESA

1. Central Bank lowers GDP forecast

The Central Bank (BC) has lowered its projection for Brazil’s GDP growth in 2025 from 2.1% to 2%, according to the Monetary Policy Report released this week. The revision reflects the impact of increased import tariffs by the United States and signs of a slowdown in domestic economic activity in the third quarter.

Despite the downward revision, the Central Bank highlighted that part of the negative effects was offset by more favorable prospects for the agricultural sector. A record harvest is expected to boost the sector and help mitigate both external and internal pressures on Brazil’s economic performance.

CNN: BC revisa crescimento do PIB para 2% em 2025, influenciado por tarifas

2. IPCA-15 rises 0.48% in September, indicating inflationary pressure

The Extended National Consumer Price Index 15 (IPCA-15) rose 0.48% in September, following deflation in August. The result, released by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), raises concerns about inflationary pressure and directly impacts Brazilians’ purchasing power.

The increase was driven mainly by rising costs in sectors such as transportation and food, key components of household consumption. The acceleration in September’s preliminary inflation suggests that the disinflation trend may be losing momentum, calling for closer attention from monetary authorities.

For businesses, the data points to higher production costs and a potential drop in consumption due to diminished purchasing power, factors that present significant challenges.

Folha de S. Paulo: IPCA-15 tem alta de 0,48% sob pressão da conta de luz em setembro, após cair em agosto

3. AI use grows in Brazilian industry

Recent data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) shows that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Brazilian industry has grown by 163%, a significant leap reflecting the pursuit of greater efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. In just two years, the share of companies using AI rose from 16.9% to 41.9%. By 2024, 89% of industries were using some form of advanced digital technology in their daily operations.

This transformation is not just a trend but a reality that is reshaping the factory floor, process management, and even how companies interact with their customers. The rapid expansion of AI in industry brings a range of opportunities and challenges. On one hand, automation and large-scale data analysis enable production optimization, cost reduction, and innovation in products and services. On the other hand, it raises important issues around workforce reskilling, cybersecurity, and the ethical use of these technologies.

InfoMoney: Uso de IA na indústria mais que dobra em dois anos, diz pesquisa do IBGE
G1: Uso de Inteligência Artificial no trabalho cresce 163% na indústria brasileira, diz IBGE

4. Accounts Court pressures government to reach central point of fiscal target

The Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) has warned that the federal government cannot organize public finances with the aim of reaching the maximum tolerance limit for expenditures, which would be equivalent to a deficit of up to R$ 31 billion. This warning is included in the report on the monitoring of results for the second bimonthly period of 2025.

The goal approved by Congress is a zero deficit, meaning that revenue should match expenses. According to the TCU, using the tolerance limit as the central parameter violates the current fiscal-legal framework. The court has determined that the government must adhere to the central target, which is zero deficit, when authorizing commitments and financial transactions, reinforcing fiscal discipline.

Metrópoles: TCU alerta que governo não pode mirar limite da meta fiscal

5. Brazil launches $1 billion fund for tropical forests

Brazil has announced the launch of a $1 billion fund to protect and restore tropical forests during an event in New York. The initiative positions the country as a leader in the global environmental agenda, seeking investments and partnerships to combat deforestation and promote the bioeconomy.

The fund aims to attract capital from governments, the private sector, and philanthropy, channeling resources into projects that generate economic value for local communities while preserving biodiversity. The goal is to curb deforestation and boost sustainable value chains, such as forest management and ecotourism, creating income in tropical forest regions.

Brazil’s leadership in this ambitious project sends a strong signal to the international community about its commitment to reversing its environmental image and becoming a key player in building a green future.

Exame: Brasil anuncia US$ 1 bilhão em lançamento de Fundo para Florestas Tropicais em Nova York
Agência Brasil: Brasil vai investir US$ 1 bilhão em fundo para proteção de florestas