Brazilian economy will "surprise again" in the 2nd quarter, says Durigan

The Minister of Finance, Dario Durigan, stated this Wednesday (3) that the Brazilian economy should return to positive surprises in the second quarter of 2026.

"We should wait for a second quarter along the same lines. Many people were pessimistic, saying it would be bad. We will surprise again in the second quarter of 2026", he declared during a ministerial meeting held at Palácio do Planalto.

Durigan was the third member of the government to speak at the meeting, after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and the Minister of the Civil House, Miriam Belchior.

During his presentation, the minister took stock of the actions of the federal administration and stated that the government contributed to rebuilding "a sovereign and democratic country".

"We are honoring with our work this country that is proud, that does not have to bow its head to anyone, respects its population and that of other countries in the world", he said.

According to Durigan, Brazil has once again consolidated itself as a strong and resilient economy.

"This gives me enormous pride, because our economy is thriving again. It's not a simple job," he said.

The minister also recalled the economic and political scenario faced by the government at the beginning of his mandate.

"Challenges began before Lula took office. In 2022 and 2023, we had a threat to democracy, attacks on institutions and skepticism in the economy that I hadn't seen for some time. They said that Brazil was going to collapse and the dollar was going to explode. Today the dollar is lower than when Lula took office", he declared.

Durigan stated that economic growth exceeded market expectations.

"Even with all these challenges, we constitute a strong, democratic and sovereign country, and a resilient and strong economy. There is no chicken flight in Brazil during Lula's terms. Growth rates have far exceeded all projections of the Brazilian market", he said.

He also highlighted the behavior of inflation during the current government.

"Inflation during a presidential term has never been so low, it has never been so stable and under control. We will close the four years of the term with inflation below 5%, which is fantastic. This is a benefit for people", he stated.

Foreign view
Durigan stated that Brazil is seen internationally as a country with great potential for contribution and highlighted the need to maintain economic stability while serving the most vulnerable population.

"We are committed to having a stable economy, with sustainable growth, that maintains its historical commitment to improving the lives of people and those who need it most, with more investments, with more social protection. Without neglecting that the country has a strong economy, issues debt abroad and is respected by all the countries we go to, whether by opening markets or participating in all international forums. The world looks at Brazil as a frontier country that has a lot to contribute", he stated.

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The minister also announced that the economic team intends to work to increase, in the coming years, the MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur) revenue limit, allowing the hiring of more workers.

"We will work so that, in the coming years, the MEI increases the limit level and people can hire one more person", he said.

Effects of the war between the United States and Iran
During the ministerial meeting, Durigan stated that the government has adopted measures to reduce the impacts of the war between the United States and Iran on the Brazilian economy.

"Brazil will not be a partner in this war. We will use the strong economy that we have built over time, a resilient economy that has sustainable fuels, to protect our population. Everything that can be done, as we have already done, to protect the impact of the war on the Brazilian population is being done and will continue to be done", he declared.

According to the minister, actions to mitigate the effects of the conflict will continue to be led by the Executive, with a focus on protecting the population and preserving economic stability.

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Source: CNN