Unemployment falls in six Brazilian states in the 4th quarter of 2025, says IBGE
Unemployment rates decreased in six Brazilian states during the fourth quarter of 2025, according to a report from IBGE.
According to the Continuous National Household Sample Survey (Pnad), released by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) on January 20th, 2025, the unemployment rate in Brazil has seen a notable decline. The national unemployment rate dropped to 5.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a decrease from 5.6% in the previous quarter and a significant reduction from 6.2% during the same quarter of the previous year. This trend suggests a positive shift in the job market as Brazil continues to recover economically.
Particularly, six states reported unemployment rates lower than the national average, indicating regions where job creation and economic resilience are more pronounced. The state of Santa Catarina, for instance, has remained consistently below the national median, which suggests effective local employment strategies or robust economic sectors that have thrived despite broader national challenges. This localized progress could provide insights into successful employment policies that could be replicated in other regions.
The improvement in employment rates also has broader implications for Brazil's economy and social stability. A lower unemployment rate often correlates with increased consumer spending, which can drive economic growth further. Policymakers may use this data to bolster initiatives aimed at sustaining job creation and supporting sectors that continue to show strength, such as agriculture or technology, in order to ensure that this positive trend is maintained moving forward.