Brazil’s Finance Ministry has raised the 2023 GDP growth forecast from 2.5% to 3.2%, while keeping this year’s inflation outlook at 4.85%.
The MacroFiscal Bulletin shared these updates on Monday.
Guilherme Mello will present these numbers. The government’s new outlook is more upbeat than market predictions.
The Focus Bulletin shows market forecasts at 2.89% for 2023 and 1.5% for 2024.
A surprising 0.9% growth occurred in Brazil’s economy last quarter. The Finance Ministry believes increased farm yields will help achieve this year’s 3.2% growth rate.
For 2023, the agricultural sector’s growth is now expected to be 14%, up from 13.2%. The industry will grow by 1.5%, and the service sector by 2.5%.
The 2024 growth forecast stays at 2.3%. Lower interest rates next year, called the Selic, are expected to benefit various sectors.
The report states that stable food costs at home balance rising fuel prices. It adds that future interest rates have dropped over two months.
The government sees a better job market. More people are working and fewer are jobless.
For the next quarter, economic expansion is expected to slow. Data from July shows a 1.1% dip in industrial output compared to July 2022.
This drop is mostly due to fewer cars being made.
Brazil’s GDP will rise by 0.1% in the next quarter. Compared to last year’s quarter, the growth is likely to be 2.2%.
Background
The updated projections reflect a renewed optimism in Brazil’s economic prospects. This positivity differs from the market’s slightly more cautious view.
The higher estimate for agricultural growth signals the sector’s crucial role. It’s a cornerstone that aids overall economic stability in Brazil.
Interestingly, the service sector also significantly upgrades its growth forecast. This could indicate increased consumer spending and perhaps a post-pandemic recovery.
The industrial sector’s growth, though modest, is also noteworthy. It shows that manufacturing and production are bouncing back.