Over the past decade, Brazilians have seen their purchasing power nearly halve as rising product prices outpace wages.
Initially, 100 Reais ($20) could easily cover a basket of 13 basic groceries. Now, that same amount struggles to purchase half as much.
The official inflation measure, IPCA, surged by 88% over these years.
In contrast, average annual income saw a minimal 3% increase, moving from 38,480 Reais ($7,696) to 39,600 Reais ($7,920).
In 2013, Brazilians had a monthly budget of 3,028 Reais ($605), which was inflation-adjusted to 36,336 Reais ($7,267) annually.
By 2023, this figure had dropped 42% to 1,755 Reais ($351) monthly, totaling 21,064 Reais ($4,212) annually.
Inflation and low productivity have significantly eroded purchasing power.
Despite no deflationary periods in the last decade, two events notably worsened inflation: the 2015 crisis and the 2021 pandemic.
Though well-intentioned, government responses and the Central Bank’s monetary policies often fueled price increases.
Education emerges as a crucial factor in reversing this trend. For instance, many Brazilian students struggle with basic math, underscoring the need for educational improvement.
Future projections raise concerns about technology’s impact on jobs, suggesting potential wage decreases.
Yet, there’s room for optimism, with an emphasis on adapting to new technologies for better job prospects.
To counteract inflation, wages would have needed an 88% boost over the decade, aligning with the IPCA’s rise.
For example, a salary of 3,000 Reais ($600) a decade ago would need to be 5,640.00 Reais ($1,128) last year to maintain equivalent purchasing power.
This adjustment is essential for Brazilians to afford the same level of goods and services as in 2013, spotlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing income with living costs.