The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) has released its Monthly Industrial Survey of Physical Production (PIM-PF) for December 2025, showing a 1.2% retreat in industrial output. This data provides crucial insights into the performance of Brazil's mining and manufacturing sectors.
A viral AI-generated version of Taylor Swift's 'The Fate of Ophelia' in Brazil, titled 'A Sina de Ofélia,' has brought to the forefront legal ambiguities surrounding AI, authorship, and unfair competition in Brazilian copyright law. The track, featuring synthetic voices of Brazilian artists, was removed from Spotify but continues to circulate, prompting discussions on new legislation.
Corinthians defeated Flamengo 2-0 at Estádio Mané Garrincha on February 1, 2026, securing their second Supercopa do Brasil title. Goals from Gabriel Paulista and Yuri Alberto, alongside a red card for Flamengo's Jorge Carrascal, sealed the victory in Brasília.
Brazil has emerged victorious in the CONMEBOL Copa América de Futsal 2026, defeating rivals Argentina 2-1 in a hard-fought final held on February 1st in Luque, Paraguay. This triumph marks Brazil's record 12th continental futsal championship, with goals from João Victor and captain Dyego securing the title.
Brazil has announced it will permit the import of used cooking oil (UCO) exclusively for the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), marking a significant policy shift. This move aims to bolster domestic SAF output, which is projected to reach 1.7 billion liters by 2030, and support the nation's ambitious decarbonization targets for its aviation sector.
Brazil's Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship welcomed 93 Brazilian nationals deported from the United States on January 30, 2026, at Belo Horizonte/Confins Airport. This operation is part of the 'Aqui é Brasil' repatriation program, which provides comprehensive support to vulnerable returnees. The program, launched in 2019, has facilitated the return of over 3,200 citizens.
Brazil's Central Bank liquidated Banco Master in November 2025 due to severe liquidity issues, reserve rule failures, and alleged fraud. The collapse, involving BRL 12.2 billion in suspected irregularities, has triggered a record BRL 41 billion payout from the Credit Guarantee Fund and sparked intense scrutiny of regulatory oversight and potential political interference.
Minister Dias Toffoli of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court has lifted the secrecy on testimonies from Daniel Vorcaro, former head of Banco Master, and Paulo Henrique Costa, former BRB president, in the ongoing Master Bank fraud investigation. The decision provides public access to crucial details of the alleged R$12 billion scheme.
Brazil's unemployment rate reached a historic low of 5.1% in December 2025, with the annual average at 5.6%, according to IBGE data. This achievement reflects a robust job market and increased employment, even as the nation experienced economic deceleration driven by high interest rates and restrictive monetary policies.
Brazilian courts have recently determined that the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam in the Amazon failed to meet its requirements for protecting ecosystems and indigenous communities. Operating since 2016 on the Xingu River, the dam's environmental and social impacts were found to be far greater than initially forecast.
Brazil's state-owned oil company, Petrobras, announced a substantial increase in its proven oil, condensate, and natural gas reserves, reaching 12.1 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) by the end of 2025. The company also expanded its crude oil sales agreements with major Indian refiners, potentially totaling up to 60 million barrels.
Brazil has commenced its 2026 humanitarian repatriation efforts, with the first flight landing in Belo Horizonte on January 7-8, bringing 32 nationals deported from the United States. The 'Aqui é Brasil' program, coordinated by the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship, provides comprehensive support to returnees, continuing a program that has repatriated over 3,100 citizens since 2019.
Brazil's central bank maintained its benchmark Selic interest rate at 15.00% following its January 27-28 Copom meeting, defying some market expectations for a cut. The decision cited global uncertainties and domestic economic factors.
Brazil's civil aviation regulator, ANAC, has frozen new flight slots at São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) until critical air-side safety upgrades are completed. The decision, announced on January 26, 2026, follows a recent inspection that identified several deficiencies, including worn markings and faulty lighting.
Brazilian grain silo manufacturer Kepler Weber has confirmed its plans to establish a corn storage and processing facility in Venezuela. The project, a partnership with Venezuelan cereal company MP Agro, aims to enhance local food industry supply with an initial capacity of 80,000 tons.
Brazil's development bank, BNDES, has announced the selection of seven investment funds from 45 proposals for its largest-ever climate investment initiative. This drive aims to mobilize approximately $3.9 billion for projects focused on industrial decarbonization, renewable energy, and ecological restoration, reinforcing Brazil's commitment to its green economy agenda.
Leading British and European retailers are calling for urgent new safeguards for Amazon soy, after the long-standing Amazon Soy Moratorium was abandoned by international traders and Brazilian lawmakers. The move raises concerns about increased deforestation in the vital rainforest.
The 25th edition of the Festival de Verão Salvador concluded on January 25, 2026, at Wet Eventos. The festival featured performances by Ivete Sangalo, Ney Matogrosso, Wesley Safadão, and many other prominent artists, celebrating diverse musical genres over two days.
Brazil is being actively courted by the United States and the European Union for its abundant critical mineral reserves, including niobium, rare earths, graphite, and lithium. This intensified interest is driven by global geopolitical competition and the need to diversify supply chains away from dominant producers, particularly China, for materials essential to green energy and advanced technologies.
The Central-West region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, experienced severe flooding between January 23 and 24, 2026, following heavy rainfall. The city of Formiga recorded 211 millimeters of rain in 24 hours, leading to overflowing rivers, urban inundation, and leaving residents displaced and homeless. Civil Defense and local authorities are actively monitoring the situation and providing assistance.
