Brazil Celebrates Record-Low Unemployment: A New Economic Era

Brazil registers its lowest first-quarter unemployment rate in history at 6.1%, under President Lula's administration. The job market improves as income levels rise and informal employment decreases. Key sectors like public administration and professional services experience significant job growth, contributing to economic stability.

On Thursday, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's administration celebrated new labour market data revealing Brazil's lowest ever first-quarter unemployment rate, reported at 6.1% by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).

This data, based on the Continuous PNAD survey, marks a notable decline from 7% in the same period of 2025, previously the record low. The figures indicate continued recovery under the current government, with a significant increase in real wages, which rose to BRL 374.8 billion.

Moreover, informal employment fell to 37.3%, while formal employment saw an upswing, adding 504,000 jobs over the past year. Key sectors such as information and public administration saw substantial growth, while only domestic services recorded a decline. This resurgence underscores Brazil's economic resilience under Lula's leadership.