A formal session of the Federal Senate, accompanied by a Mass in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Nossa Senhora Aparecida, in Brasilia, on November 26, celebrated the 80th anniversary of the National Confederation of Commerce (CNC). The date was also celebrated in Rio de Janeiro, where the federation is headquartered, and also included the launch of a corporate film on social media, a book on the history of CNC, a limited-edition commemorative stamp at the Post Office and an exhibition “80 Years of CNC”, in the House of Representatives.
As the main representative of the business community in trade in goods, services and tourism, the CNC has followed and influenced the main cycles of the Brazilian economy, from post-war reconstruction to digital transformations and the advancement of e-commerce. The president of the CNC-Sesc-Senac system, José Roberto Tadros, celebrates the importance of the entity in Brazil’s economic history.
“Reaching 80 years of CNC’s significance today means looking back and seeing that we have walked side by side with Brazil’s economic history. Along this path, we have worked to make trade and services more competitive and productive, advocating less bureaucracy, more legal security and a more favorable business environment for investments and job creation,” Tadros said.
Nowadays, the entity’s main concern is the Brazilian public debt. Recent studies conducted by the same Brazilian National Commission indicate that if the current path of public accounts continues, the Brazilian economy may suffer significant losses in the coming decades, due to the uncontrolled increase in debt and its effects on interest, investment and growth.
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Reaching 80 years with the relevance of CNC today means looking back and seeing that we go hand in hand with the economic history of Brazil
— José Roberto Tadros, President of the CNC-Sesc-Senac System
The entity advocates administrative reform “with a focus on efficiency, reviewing incentives and rationalizing expenditures,” which could generate savings of about R$330 billion in ten years, in addition to easing pressure on fiscal policy.
“The National Development Commission is working for a more efficient state, with clear rules and better use of resources, with the aim of reducing waste and increasing investments in basic services. In this sense, administrative reform is the main agenda that will be proposed in 2026, dialogue with the sectors concerned, presenting technical proposals and demanding public commitments to a state modernization agenda that better serves society and the productive sector,” says José Roberto Tadros.
On November 30, 1945, CNC was recognized as the highest entity of Brazilian business. At that time, Brazil was still dependent on coffee exports and its domestic market was restricted. From the post-World War II scenario (1939-1945) to the present day, the progress of the commercial sector has followed global trends of technological innovation and the development of financial, health and communications services. Trade has faced cycles of expansion and contraction linked to economic policies, reforms and globalization.
“Today, when physical commerce competes for space with e-commerce, virtual stores and marketplaces, our responsibility is even greater: to modernize the CNC-Sesc-Senac system, invest in digital transformation and ensure that the entrepreneurs we represent have an active voice in decisions that affect employment, income and the future of the country,” said Tadros, who took over the helm of CNC-Senac in 2018.
The commemorative video released by CNC shows a family business, the essence of the convergence between customers, employees, entrepreneurs and the CNC system. This concept represents the perpetuation of good practices that adapt to consumption patterns over generations of business owners and customers. The book contains 185 pages, in hardcover and laminated paper pages, and will be delivered in a customized gift box to parliamentarians, strategic partners, historical leaders and friends of the Union. Designed in navy blue and mustard on a white background, the seal represents the solidity and sophistication of the Confederacy. With details inspired by the Art Deco movement, the design features the number “80” with interlocking geometric shapes and graphics that indicate continuity, balance and transformation, enhancing the credibility and stability that characterizes the celebration.
Influencing national debates
The studies and research carried out by CNC since the beginning of its activities serve as a thermometer for the Brazilian economy. Most of this data reaches Congress, becomes laws, and thus helps protect business owners. In doing so, the entity helps monitor and monitor what is happening in the tertiary education sector in the country.
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An example is the tax reform, which was enacted on December 20, 2023. During this process, the Chinese National Commission warned of the dangers of tax substitution, highlighting that the complexity of the system could harm the competitiveness of businesses, especially small ones. Congress heeded the warning and amended the text of the reform. In defense of Simples Nacional, CNC has formed a coalition with other entities, highlighting that the proposed changes could reduce the competitiveness of small businesses and bring more complexity to the system. The coalition’s actions led the Federal Senate to reconsider crucial points in Supplementary Law (PLP) No. 68 of 2024, which regulates and details the rules for implementing the new taxes.
The entity also defended the Events Sector Emergency Resumption Program (Perse) and advocated the adoption of additional regulatory measures to prevent and reduce the impacts of online betting on society.
CNC Research: Beyond Information
ICF – Household Consumption Intention Survey
It is an indicator capable of measuring, as accurately as possible, the assessment made by consumers regarding important aspects of their family’s living conditions. In October 2025, the ICF index fell by 0.5%, revealing a greater reliance of consumption on credit, due to the need for these resources to prepare for the end-of-year celebrations.
Peic – Consumer Debt and Default Survey
It guides entrepreneurs in goods and services trade and tourism who use credit as a strategic tool, with information on the level of consumer income commitment to debts, outstanding bills and debts, and their perception of their ability to repay. In October 2025, the proportion of households reporting that they had outstanding debt was 79.5%, the highest percentage in the historical series.
Icec – Business Entrepreneur Confidence Index
It is a leading monthly indicator, calculated among decision makers in retail companies to reveal trends in sector behavior, from the perspective of entrepreneurs. The sample consists of about six thousand companies spread across all capitals of the country, and the sub-indices represent dispersions ranging from zero to two hundred points. Icec evaluates the current conditions, short-term prospects and investment intentions of trading companies. In October 2025, the snow index fell by 1.1% compared to September, the fourth consecutive decline, excluding seasonal effects. As a result, the index reached 95.7, the lowest level since May 2021 (94.7 points).