The services sector was practically stable in Brazil in the third quarter of 2025, with a slight increase of 0.1% compared to the immediately preceding three months, according to GDP (gross domestic product) data released on Thursday (4) by the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics).
The result indicates a loss of pace in this sector. Services rose 0.3% in the second quarter and 1% in the first quarter.
GDP as a whole also rose by 0.1% in the July-September period. The services sector is what affects the economy the most from the supply side. It accounts for about 70% of the GDP and covers a wide range of businesses, such as trading companies, transportation, and financial activities.
In addition to services, GDP also includes industry and agriculture.
In the third quarter, the industry rose 0.8% compared to the immediately preceding three months. This means a slight acceleration, as the sector had made less progress in the second quarter (0.6%).
Agriculture rose 0.4% from July to September. This result came after a decline in the previous three months (-1.4%) and a strong rise in the period from January to March (16.4%).
In 2025, Brazil will see a record grain harvest year. The effects of rural production on GDP are more concentrated at the beginning of the year.
The period from July to September was characterized by high interest rates, which made productive investments and consumption of industrial goods and services difficult.
On the other hand, the labor market continued to show signs of strength. Low unemployment rates and high consumption of income benefits.
The third quarter also saw the start of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Brazilian exports. The surcharge policy implemented from August affected branches of industry and agriculture.
The Americans have already canceled part of the surcharge, and the Lula government is trying to take new measures in this direction.