Brazil’s economy started 2025 with solid growth, but signs of a slowdown are emerging as high interest rates and persistent inflation begin to weigh on businesses and consumers.

According to the Central Bank and official figures, the country’s economy expanded by 1.6% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter. Over the past year, growth reached 3.5%, continuing a strong run that saw a 3.4% expansion in 2024.

Agriculture played a major role in this performance. The sector grew by more than 12% in early 2025, driven by record harvests of soybeans and cotton. The Ministry of Agriculture expects agricultural production to reach R$1.41 trillion this year, up 11% from 2024.

This agricultural boom helped offset weaker results in other areas. The services sector, which makes up about 70% of Brazil’s economy, also contributed to growth, expanding by 1.3% in the first quarter.

Industry showed mixed results but managed a 1.6% increase. Household spending continued to rise, but the pace slowed to 2.7% compared to 3.7% in the previous quarter.

Brazil Maintains Growth in 2025, but Warning Signs Emerge for Investors. (Photo Internet reproduction)

Investment jumped by nearly 7% in the first three months of the year, and exports grew by 1%. Despite these positive numbers, several challenges are now coming into focus.

Brazil’s Central Bank Maintains High Interest Rates Amid Inflation

Brazil’s central bank has kept its main interest rate at 14.75%, the highest in almost twenty years, to fight inflation. This makes loans more expensive for families and companies.

Inflation is expected to reach 5.65% in 2025, above the official target, and the Brazilian real has lost value against the dollar. Government forecasts for 2025 are more optimistic than those of most market analysts.

The Finance Ministry expects the economy to grow by 2.4% this year, while many banks and research groups predict growth closer to 2% or even lower. The OECD projects 2.1% growth in 2025.

Most experts agree that growth will slow in the second half of the year as high rates and global uncertainty take a bigger toll. Brazil’s trade balance remains strong, with a projected surplus of $74 billion in 2025.

However, fiscal policy remains tight, and the government faces pressure to control spending and debt. For business leaders and investors, Brazil’s story in 2025 is one of resilience but growing caution.

The country’s strong agriculture and services sectors have kept the economy moving, but high borrowing costs and inflation are starting to bite. How Brazil manages these challenges will shape its economic path for the rest of the year.