Saturday, September 26, 2026English edition
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Country risk, from the local press

Brazil · Country watch

Lula Bans Betting, Inflation Surges

Lula announces betting ban amid rising inflation, impacting sectors from finance to retail.

· · 10 sources

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in Brazil are deteriorating as Lula's betting ban and rising inflation create challenges across finance and retail sectors. The ongoing tariff dispute with the US adds further uncertainty for exporters.

In this briefing Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva · André Mendonça · Supreme Federal Court of Brazil · IBGE · Donald Trump · World Trade Organization

Regulation

  • finance
  • retail

Lula announces ban on betting companies in Brazil

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced a measure to prohibit the operation of betting companies in Brazil. The measure, revealed in São Paulo, comes nine days before the elections and includes steps to address family indebtedness. According to O Globo, the move is part of a broader initiative to regulate the betting industry, which has grown rapidly in recent years. The announcement is expected to impact various sectors, particularly finance and retail, as the betting industry has been a significant source of revenue and employment.

Impact Betting companies in Brazil will cease operations, affecting revenue and employment in finance and retail sectors.

Sources: O Globo ↗, A Tarde ↗, O Globo ↗, O Globo ↗

  • public-sector

STF extends suspension of mental health fines by 90 days

The Supreme Federal Court (STF) has extended the suspension of fines related to new mental health regulations for another 90 days. Minister André Mendonça announced the extension, which affects the enforcement of the Norma Regulamentadora 1 (NR-1) concerning psychosocial risk management in workplaces. According to Extra, this decision continues the pause initially implemented 90 days ago, allowing companies more time to comply with the new requirements without facing penalties.

Impact Employers gain additional time to comply with new mental health regulations without facing fines.

Sources: Extra ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • finance

Brazil's IPCA-15 inflation index rises 0.7% in September

Brazil's IPCA-15 inflation index rose 0.7% in September, surpassing market expectations of 0.55%. According to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), this is the highest rate for September since 2021. The increase was driven by rising electricity and food prices, as reported by O Globo. The inflation preview suggests a reversal from the 0.4% deflation observed in August, indicating potential upward pressure on interest rates.

Impact Importers and retailers face higher costs due to increased electricity and food prices.

Sources: Terra ↗, Jornal de Brasília ↗, O Globo ↗

Trade

  • agriculture
  • manufacturing

Brazil and US discuss tariffs at WTO meeting

Representatives from Brazil and the United States met at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva to discuss additional tariffs imposed by the US on Brazilian products. The meeting, involving President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump, is part of Brazil's challenge to these tariffs at the WTO. According to O Globo, expectations for a resolution are low, as the discussions are still in the technical phase.

Impact Brazilian exporters face continued uncertainty in US markets due to unresolved tariff discussions.

Sources: O Globo ↗, Extra ↗

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Brazil

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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