Brazil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad appeared before Congress on June 11, 2025, to present the country’s latest economic data and policy direction.

He reported that Brazil’s economy has grown by an average of 3% per year during President Lula’s current term, nearly double the rate seen in the previous decade.

Haddad emphasized that unemployment has reached a historic low, and worker incomes have risen faster than inflation. He acknowledged, however, that controlling inflation remains a priority, with the government aiming to keep it within target levels.

Haddad also addressed Brazil’s efforts to regain investment grade status from international credit agencies. He stated that Brazil has returned to being the world’s eighth-largest economy and that the country’s credit ratings have improved.

Brazil now issues government bonds at rates similar to those of countries with investment grade, although it has not yet fully regained that status. The Finance Minister outlined recent and proposed tax changes.

Brazil’s Finance Chief Highlights Growth, Inflation, and Investment Grade Push in Congress. (Photo Internet reproduction)

The government seeks to exempt all Brazilians earning up to 5,000 reais per month from income tax by 2026, aiming to correct the system’s imbalance, where high earners pay a lower effective tax rate than lower-income citizens.

Brazil Targets Wealth and Finance in Tax Reform Push

Haddad noted that those earning over one million reais per year currently pay an average effective income tax rate of just 2.5%. The administration is also considering new taxes on financial products, including a fixed 17.5% rate on certain investments.

This measure aims to raise an estimated 170 billion reais over two years. Haddad defended these measures as necessary to maintain economic stability and support continued growth.

He stressed that the government’s social programs, such as Bolsa Família and increases to the minimum wage, have helped more than 15 million Brazilians escape hunger in two years.

He argued that these policies provide a safety net for workers and contribute to long-term economic security. The Finance Ministry projects GDP growth of 2.3% for 2025, with the central bank forecasting a slightly lower 1.9% due to ongoing efforts to control inflation.

Private economists expect inflation to end 2025 above the central bank’s 4.5% target. Haddad acknowledged that high interest rates help curb inflation but warned they should not stifle economic activity.

Brazil’s economic story, as presented by Haddad, centers on steady growth, improved creditworthiness, and efforts to create a fairer tax system.

The government faces the challenge of balancing inflation control with growth and making fiscal reforms that attract investment while supporting the country’s most vulnerable.