Araraquara, a city in Brazil, concluded the fourth quarter of 2025 with a commercial surplus and a notable rise in the number of active companies, according to the latest report from the Núcleo de Economia do Sincomercio Araraquara. The report details that the local economy experienced mixed results, with a surplus of USD 134.04 million in the trade balance, primarily driven by exports of horticultural products and meats. This positions Araraquara as the 20th largest exporter in the state of São Paulo, showcasing its critical role in regional commerce.

Despite these positive export figures, the local job market has faced challenges, with a contraction observed during the same period. This downturn in employment can be attributed to inflationary pressures, particularly evident in the rising costs of essential goods. The average cost of the basic food basket in Araraquara increased to R$ 1,048.41, which now consumes a substantial 69.1% of the minimum wage, largely due to the escalation in meat prices, such as those for contrafilé and acém.

The mixed economic indicators for Araraquara reflect a complex situation where growth in business formation coexists with inflation challenges and job market difficulties. Policymakers and community leaders may need to address these issues to sustain economic growth and improve employment opportunities for residents in the near future.