Petrobras (PETR3; PETR4) Hits Record Output in 2025, Boosts Exports 27% as Pre-Salt Drives Growth

Petrobras (PETR3; PETR4) reached its highest oil and gas production levels in 2025 when the company produced almost 3 million barrels of oil equivalent every day because it expanded its pre-salt field operations and started using new offshore platforms. 

The company reported average annual operated production of 2.99 million boed in 2025, which represented an 11 percent increase from the previous year. Total production reached 3.081 million boed in the fourth quarter, which marked an 18.6 percent year-on-year increase but experienced a 1.1 percent decline from the third quarter because of planned maintenance work at Campos Basin platforms including Marlim and Voador.

The fourth quarter production report showed that pre-salt output contributed 82 percent of total production, which highlighted the deepwater assets of Santos Basin as a critical operational resource. The full-year pre-salt production increased 11.4 percent from the previous year to reach 2.45 million boed.

Petrobras' flagship deepwater project in Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, reached a production level of 1 million barrels per day in October, which increased its installed capacity to approximately 1.15 million bpd. The newly installed FPSO Almirante Tamandaré platform, which holds the record as the largest platform to operate in Brazil, generates approximately 240,000 bpd while P-79 unit is projected to produce an additional 180,000 bpd of capacity.

Reserve Replacement at 10-Year High

Petrobras achieved its best reserve replacement results during the past ten years, while the company produced its highest operational output. In 2025, the company expanded its proven reserves by 1.7 billion barrels of oil equivalent, which resulted in a reserve replacement ratio (RRR) of 175%. The reserve life index stands at 12.5 years.

The production gains resulted from the installation of eight new offshore wells and enhanced operational efficiency, which increased by 3.6 percentage points compared to 2024.

Oil Exports Surge, China Leads Demand

The country achieved its highest export record through increased oil production. The country exported 765000 barrels per day of crude oil during 2025 which represented a 27 percent increase from the previous year. The exports in the fourth quarter reached 1.236 million barrels per day which represented a 78.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year with China accounting for 52 percent of total shipments.

Petrobras established extended supply agreements with Indian state refiners which will remain active until March 2027 and allow for the delivery of 60 million barrels of crude oil.

Refining Output Falls

Refining output decreased by 6.4% to reach 1.702 million bpd in the fourth quarter because upstream production experienced growth. The total utilization rate of refineries fell to 89% down from 95% a year earlier because maintenance stoppages and expansion works at the Henrique Lage refinery (Revap) in São Paulo which will increase distillation capacity by 19,000 bpd once completed.

Shares Rise as Ibovespa Hits Record

The Brazilian stock market reached its highest point in history as Petrobras achieved exceptional operational results which brought the Ibovespa index to 189400 points during morning trading. This increase of 1.87 percent resulted in both common and preferred shares of the company reaching an increase of more than 2 percent.

The Citi analysts found that fourth-quarter operational results met their expectations despite the decline in international oil prices and the minor production decrease during that quarter. The bank maintains a neutral rating on Petrobras ADRs with a $12.50 price target, projecting lower short-term EBITDA and more modest ordinary dividends.

Banco Safra and Itaú BBA expect fourth-quarter EBITDA to decline 9% and 12%, respectively, citing a 7% drop in oil prices during the period.

Concerns Over Exploration Slowdown

The industry groups point out that Brazil needs to speed up its exploration activities because the country relies on both its current output and its reserve increases to safeguard its energy supply for future needs. The Institute for Strategic Studies of Oil Gas and Biofuels (INEEP) reported that the period from 2016 to 2025 saw the drilling of 203 wells whereas the time between 2006 and 2015 produced 936 wells. 

The United Federation of Oil Workers (FUP) stated that Brazil requires urgent expansion of its oil reserves to maintain its position as a global leader in oil and gas markets which they believe requires increased funding for exploration of new frontier regions while the nation moves forward with its energy transition plans.

Energy Transition: Natura (NATU3) Embraces Biomethane Amidst Brazil's New Regulations

The new Brazilian rules for biomethane implementation which various industries now use as a replacement for natural gas fossil fuels will drive both energy transition progress and business carbon reduction activities.

The Brazilian federal government completed its biomethane policy regulations through the Fuel of the Future program in September 2025, which will enable the country to increase its renewable gas production for domestic use. The policy establishes an initial requirement for 1% biomethane blending in 2026, which can increase to 10% through future regulations that will apply to both natural gas producers and importers. 

Biomethane is a renewable energy produced from organic waste such as agricultural residues, food waste and animal manure. The materials are processed through anaerobic digestion, in which microorganisms break down organic matter in oxygen-free tanks, generating biogas composed mainly of methane and carbon dioxide. This biogas is then purified, or upgraded, to produce biomethane suitable for energy use.

It produces energy with the same efficiency as natural gas while emitting virtually no carbon emissions because its combustion emissions get canceled out by the carbon dioxide which plants capture during photosynthesis.

With this new regulatory framework, Brazil will establish yearly decarbonization benchmarks which will transform the country energy system by increasing renewable gas usage throughout transportation systems industrial operations and electricity production sectors.

One example of thar is the Brazilian cosmetics company Natura (NATU3) which opened a biomethane refueling station at its Cajamar industrial site located near São Paulo through its collaboration with Ultragaz. The project aims to cut logistics-related emissions, particularly Scope 3 emissions generated by outsourced transport operations.

The initiative operates 28 trucks that move goods between the Cajamar plant which generates 90 percent of Natura's domestic production and regional distribution centers using only biomethane as fuel. The fleet is operated by logistics companies Coopercarga and Reiterlog.

Natura plans to achieve a 42 percent reduction of its Scope 3 emissions by the year 2030. The biomethane system operates at a refueling rate of 2,000 cubic meters per hour. The company plans to receive returns on its investment within two years although it has not released specific investment amounts.

Ultragaz will supply 3.5 million cubic meters of biomethane per year to Natura, enough to power roughly 17,500 households. The project benefits the environment by decreasing the company carbon emissions which leads to lower business expenses according to Angela Pinhati who is the sustainability director at Natura.

The initiative has the potential to motivate companies to start investing in biomethane although the absence of a national distribution system which connects production areas to customers presents infrastructure problems.

The biomethane which Natura receives comes from the Caieiras landfill, which stands as the biggest landfill in Latin America because it receives organic material from the Cajamar waste processing center. The facility generates approximately 350,000 cubic meters of biomethane each day, with Ultragaz distributing 67,000 cubic meters of this total daily.

The current production of biomethane in São Paulo state results in 16% of its total output coming from landfills according to state authorities, which demonstrates how this fuel supports circular economy systems while helping to decrease greenhouse gas emissions throughout Brazil.

Pump action: Brazil’s green-fuelled ambitions

Brazil has established itself as a global leader in renewable energy production. The country’s energy system, which includes massive hydroelectric dams as well as wind and solar power, along with extensive sugarcane and corn ethanol production and soybean-based biodiesel, serves as a model for nations that still rely heavily on carbon-based fuels. As the global race to decarbonize reaches a critical stage, Brazil continues to achieve new milestones. This week, the National Congress formed a “Coalition for Biofuels” aimed at turning energy transition goals from political discourse into concrete public policies.

The Brazilian Congress chose to pass its decision at the week Toyota announced its first global research center about biofuels which will be established in Sorocaba, São Paulo. The automaker plans to invest BRL 11.5 billion in the country until 2030 through this initiative which will create 40 engineering positions to develop technologies that will decrease vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. Toyota has selected a hybrid flex-fuel engine strategy which combines ethanol and biomethane because the company believes these two technologies will provide environmentally friendly solutions in agricultural and industrial applications while its competitors pursue complete electrification.

The environmental advocacy group 

The coalition which received support from multiple parliamentary organizations and leading agricultural companies functions as more than a discussion platform. The organization needs to manage the "Future Fuel Law" (Combustível do Futuro) which serves as Brazil's main environmental legislation for the transportation sector. The coalition's leader Arnaldo Jardim who has worked in agribusiness advocacy describes the current situation as an emergency situation which needs immediate treatment. For Mr Jardim and his colleagues, biofuels are not merely an environmental boon but a "strategic vector" for national development.

Street driving regulations

Investors consider predictable results to be their most important requirement. The coalition wants to establish a "growth curve" for renewable energy sources through its long-term plan which will gradually decrease fossil fuel usage. The process involves more than just establishing objectives. The Future Fuel Law aims to ensure that the transition is not subject to the whims of changing administrations, providing the legal security needed to unlock long-term capital in the agro-industrial sector.

Protecting the patch

The coalition’s agenda is as much about protectionism as it is about the planet. The organization intends to prohibit or considerably decrease biodiesel imports as its first task because this measure will create a market where only domestic manufacturers can sell their products. The group aims to establish a self-sustaining system through its efforts to connect energy production with industrial activities and agricultural practices. The environmental case is compelling, biodiesel can cut greenhouse-gas emissions by almost 80% compared with its fossil-fuelled cousin, but the economic logic of supporting a homegrown industry is equally persuasive in the halls of Congress.

Global ambitions

Brazil also aims to become a worldwide leader in the green-fuel revolution by establishing a strong regulatory framework. The proposed creation of a National Fund for Energy Transition suggests that the government is willing to put its money where its mouth is. Brazil will establish itself as a pioneer in sustainable development instead of following global sustainability trends if the coalition achieves its objectives. Brasília is making a significant investment in pump technology because it sees this as a crucial element in the worldwide energy transition process.

BNDES Approves BRL 148.5 Million for Biomethane Plant in Paraná, Boosting Brazil’s Energy Transition

Brazil's National Development Bank (BNDES) granted Bioo Paraná Holding BRL 148.5 million to construct a biomethane facility in Toledo Paraná which will enhance Brazil's renewable energy initiatives and circular economy development. The total project cost is estimated at BRL 196 million, with BRL 101.5 million from the Climate Fund and BRL 47.1 million through BNDES's Finem credit line.

Biomethane Production and Emissions Reduction

The facility will produce 11 million cubic meters of biomethane annually, equivalent to natural gas, and is expected to avoid about 80,000 tons of CO₂ emissions each year, aiding Brazil's decarbonization goals. The facility will produce organic fertilizer which will benefit local agricultural operations, while it will also create biogenic CO₂ which can be used by industries such as beverages to decrease their need for fossil-based CO₂.

Jobs and Regional Development

The project will create approximately 210 construction jobs and 90 permanent positions which will help western Paraná develop because it serves as an essential agribusiness and animal protein center. Bioo uses its circular economy initiative to convert animal protein supply chain organic waste into valuable bioproducts which reduce environmental harm while returning waste to productive use. The BNDES President Aloizio Mercadante declared that "this project minimizes the negative impacts of organic waste by converting it into renewable energy and high-value products," which supports the energy transition policy of the federal government.

Circular Economy and Energy Policy Alignment

Bioo Paraná Holding S.A. operates as a subsidiary of Bioo Investimentos e Participações S.A. which Cótica Energia and the eB BIP investment fund managed by Flying Rivers Capital control. The BNDES support enables the company to advance its strategy which converts organic waste into renewable energy and bioproducts according to CEO Maurício Cótica. The BNDES support enables the company to advance its strategy which converts organic waste into renewable energy and bioproducts according to CEO Maurício Cótica.

Paraná to Host Its First Corn Ethanol Plant as Coamo Invests R$1.7 Billion

Paraná is poised to enter Brazil's burgeoning corn ethanol sector in 2026, with Coamo Agroindustrial Cooperative spearheading the establishment of the state's first corn-based ethanol facility. Located in Campo Mourão, about 90 kilometers from Maringá, this R$1.7 billion project is currently in the land preparation stage, with completion expected in the latter half of 2026.

Job Creation and Production Capacity

During construction, the plant is projected to create approximately 2,200 direct jobs, transitioning to about 250 permanent positions once operational. Coamo sources around 3 million metric tons of corn annually, dedicating 500,000 to 600,000 tons for ethanol production. The facility will process 1,700 tons of corn daily, yielding around 765,000 liters of ethanol.

Byproducts and Renewable Energy

In addition to ethanol, the plant will produce valuable byproducts, including:

• 510 tons/day of DDGS (Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles) for animal feed.
• 34 tons/day of corn oil for biodiesel and industrial applications.

The ethanol complex will utilize thermal power generated from eucalyptus sourced from Coamo’s 5,000-hectare reforestation areas, achieving self-sufficiency by generating 30 megawatts of electricity to meet its energy needs.

Context of Corn Ethanol in Brazil

With 24 corn ethanol plants currently operational in Brazil (11 exclusively dedicated to corn) the sector plays a vital role in stabilizing fuel supply, especially during the sugarcane off-season in the Center-South region.

Recent Trends in Ethanol Production

Data from UNICA indicated that the Center-South processed 605,090 tons of raw material in early January, with total sugarcane crushing reaching 601.04 million tons, reflecting a slight decline from the previous year. Ethanol production saw 427.42 million liters in the first half of January, with corn ethanol accounting for nearly 90% of this output.

Strengthening Agribusiness Infrastructure

Coamo has also enhanced its infrastructure in the Center-West region with a R$191 million investment in two new grain receiving units in Mato Grosso do Sul. These facilities aim to improve logistics and boost farmers' competitiveness through modern infrastructure and efficient storage solutions.

Coamo’s strategic investments in renewable energy and logistics underscore its commitment to advancing Brazil's agribusiness sector, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable agricultural practices. 

Petrobras (PETR3; PETR4) Secures R$1.65 Billion Earn-Out from Sépia and Atapu Partners, Reenters Namibia Offshore Exploration with TotalEnergies Partnership

Petrobras confirmed on Friday that it received R$1.65 billion which equals about $320 million as earn-out payments from its partners in the Sépia and Atapu offshore blocks. TotalEnergies and Petronas and QatarEnergy made Sépia payments while Shell and TotalEnergies provided Atapu payments according to a compensation agreement which depended on Brent crude prices between US$40 and US$70 per barrel. The earn-out scheme spans payments from 2022 through 2032 which demonstrates Petrobras's strong cash flow from Brazil's pre-salt assets during unpredictable energy market conditions.

The Brazilian oil company also returned to African oil and gas operations through its acquisition of a 42.5% stake in offshore exploration Block 2613 in Namibia which the company operates together with TotalEnergies who also owns 42.5% of the project. The Namibian block which extends across 11,000 square kilometers in the Lüderitz Basin represents a major step for Petrobras to expand its business operations while supporting its 2026–2030 reserve recovery objectives. The acquisition process requires regulatory approvals which involve two minority shareholders who hold 5% and 10% interests in the project namely Eight Offshore Investment Holdings and Namcor Exploration and Production.

These developments highlight Petrobras’s strategic investments in both mature Brazilian offshore assets, like Sépia and Atapu, and burgeoning African exploration opportunities, strengthening its global footprint amid shifting energy dynamics.

Fuel Price Cuts Announced by Petrobras (PETR3; PETR4) Fail to Reach Consumers as Distributors Control Price Pass-Through

The Bolsonaro government sold BR Distribuidora in 2019, which ended Petrobras’ direct access to the end consumer, that is, its ability to sell gasoline, diesel, and ethanol directly to Brazilian consumers. Since then, Petrobras has reduced refinery oil prices by 16% between January 2023 and January 2026; however, fuel prices at the pump have risen 37% over the same period. Petrobras CEO Magda Chambriard has noted that pricing flexibility declined after the privatization of the company’s fuel distribution network.

Now, despite Petrobras’ recent 5.2% gasoline price cut for distributors, equivalent to a 14-cent-per-liter reduction, most consumers across Pernambuco and others Brazilians states report little to no relief at the pumps. 

Industry insiders explain that distributors, who negotiate directly with Petrobras, are largely responsible for deciding when and how much of the discount is passed on to retail gas stations. According to the Pernambuco Fuel Union, distributors have passed on only a fraction of the reduction, lowering station costs by just 1 to 4 cents per liter.

In Olinda’s Bultrins neighborhood, one gas station defied the trend with an independent 10-cent price cut, but this remains an exception. Consumers express frustration and confusion, largely unaware that distributors control pricing dynamics, often directing criticism unfairly at gas stations.

“The final price of gasoline is influenced by multiple factors, including distributor margins, ethanol prices, and taxes,” the union said. “The lack of transparency regarding the distributors’ role leaves gas stations unjustly exposed to consumer backlash.”

As drivers continue to face rising costs amid minimal price reductions, calls are growing for clearer communication and greater accountability within Brazil’s complex fuel supply chain.

Is an AI Bubble Next? Comparing Today's Tech Boom to the 2008 Financial Crisis

Recent analyses suggest a potential economic downturn, possibly more severe than the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis, driven by the overvaluation of leading technology companies, often dubbed the "Magnificent Seven," and speculative investments in artificial intelligence (AI). 

Since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, the S&P 500 has surged about 90%, with most gains driven by a small group of AI-linked technology giants, including Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet, Nvidia, and major data-center operators.

Nvidia has emerged as the sector’s standout, evolving from a gaming chipmaker into a central supplier of AI infrastructure and approaching record-breaking market valuations. However, critics warn that much of the investment flowing into AI companies is being recycled within the sector itself, creating a tightly interconnected financial system that could amplify risks if sentiment shifts.

This perspective is underscored by concerns from industry leaders, including CEOs of major tech firms, who hint at the fragility of current market valuations and the potential for widespread economic fallout.

High-profile investors have also entered the debate. Michael Burry, known for predicting the 2008 financial crisis, has publicly bet against the AI boom, arguing that extreme capital concentration often precedes major downturns. His warnings have prompted some fund managers to reduce exposure to technology stocks. Critics, however, note that several of Burry’s post-2008 predictions did not come true.

Regulators and analysts also have raised red flags. The Bank of England has cautioned that AI-related stocks may be overvalued, while media reports highlight soaring executive and researcher compensation as a sign of overheating. Despite massive funding, key players such as OpenAI are not yet profitable.

 

Echoes of the Subprime Meltdown 

The 2008 subprime crisis serves as a critical precedent for understanding the current anxieties. At its core, the subprime crisis was fueled by an immense creation of fictitious capital within the U.S. real estate market. This involved inflated property values, often detached from their intrinsic worth, and a pervasive system of securitization. 

The Subprime Mechanism: 

• Fictitious Capital: The housing bubble led to assets being priced unrealistically. 
• Securitization (CDOs): Mortgage-backed securities, known as Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDOs), were widely distributed globally. These instruments, similar to Brazil's Real Estate Receivable Certificates (CRIs), allowed banks to offload risk by selling debt to investment funds worldwide. 
• Excess Liquidity and Risky Lending: An abundance of capital in the financial system led banks to extend credit to increasingly unqualified borrowers, including those with no ability to repay, in pursuit of higher returns. This was rationalized by a booming market where property values and rents were consistently rising, seemingly ensuring repayment. 
• Bubble Burst: The unsustainable rise in property prices eventually led to a saturation point, with properties becoming vacant and rents failing to cover mortgage payments. Defaults surged, leading to foreclosures and a rapid decline in property values as seized assets flooded the market. 
• Global Contagion: The failure of CDOs caused investment funds holding these securities to lose massive value, triggering a liquidity crisis. Investors rushed to redeem funds, forcing asset liquidations across various markets (stocks, bonds), creating a domino effect that crippled the global financial system. 

The Current AI and Tech Bubble Today, concerns center on the Magnificent Seven (The largest tech companies in the S&P 500) which disproportionately drive market growth. The AI sector, in particular, is seen as a new locus of fictitious capital formation. Despite massive investments, AI technologies are not yet generating sufficient revenue to justify their soaring valuations, drawing parallels to the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. 

Industry figures, such as Microsoft's CEO and Sam Altman (OpenAI), have openly acknowledged the existence of this bubble, even suggesting that government intervention might be necessary should it burst. This indicates an awareness within the industry that current valuations are unreal and predicated on future cash flows that may not materialize for many companies. 

Factors Contributing to the Current Bubble: 

• Unjustified Valuations: Companies like Palantir, trading at 116 times revenue, exemplify valuations detached from fundamental asset value, which theoretically should be based on the ability to generate future cash flow. 
• Passive ETF Management: Over half of the capital entering the U.S. stock market is managed passively through algorithms that automatically buy index proportions. This mechanism artificially inflates the prices of larger companies, with studies suggesting that Apple's price, for instance, was inflated by 23% due to these passive flows alone. 
• Baby Boomer Effect: The impending retirement of the baby boomer generation is expected to lead to significant withdrawals from investment funds, potentially reversing the positive inflow trends and exacerbating market instability. 

Potential Impact of a Bursting Bubble 

Should this bubble burst, the consequences are projected to be severe and systemic. The disappearance of wealth would lead to a sharp reduction in consumer spending and overall economic activity. Assets, widely used as collateral throughout the financial system, would trigger cascading losses, leading to a profound liquidity crisis and a halt in money circulation. 

Historically, such crises result in the failure of smaller businesses, the contraction of medium-sized enterprises, and the opportunistic acquisition of undervalued assets by larger entities. This process invariably leads to a further concentration of wealth among the already rich and an expansion of poverty, illustrating a cyclical aspect of capitalism where crises of overproduction of fictitious capital are periodically resolved through its destruction.

Analysts also point to broader consequences, including environmental concerns tied to the rapid expansion of energy-intensive data centers. 

For now, experts agree on one point: bubbles are only confirmed after they burst, but the warning signs are becoming harder to ignore.

Cost of Living in Brazil in 2026: A Practical Guide for Expats

São Paulo, Brazil — Anyone planning to live in Brazil in 2026 should be prepared for a country that combines economic stability with relatively high everyday costs. While inflation is easing and interest rates are expected to decline, the cost of living remains a key factor for expatriates considering relocation or long-term residence.

This report breaks down what expats need to know about inflation, housing, income, and daily expenses in Brazil in 2026, based on official data and market expectations.

Inflation in Brazil: What Expats Should Expect in 2026

According to projections compiled by the Central Bank of Brazil’s Focus Report, consumer inflation (IPCA) is expected to remain close to 4.0% in 2026, near the upper limit of the official inflation target range.

For expats, this means that prices for essentials — including groceries, utilities, transportation, and personal services — are likely to continue rising, though at a slower and more predictable pace than in previous years. Inflation is no longer accelerating, but it is still high enough to affect monthly budgets.

Interest Rates and the Cost of Credit

Brazil continues to operate with one of the highest interest rates in the world. After ending 2025 with the Selic rate at 15%, economists expect gradual cuts throughout 2026, with the benchmark rate likely to finish the year between 12.0% and 12.25%.

For expatriates, this has direct implications:

• Mortgages and personal loans remain expensive

• Credit card interest rates are extremely high

• Financing property or vehicles locally can be costly

Many expats rely on foreign savings or international financing to avoid Brazil’s high domestic borrowing costs.

Housing Costs: Rent and Property Prices

Housing remains the largest expense for most expats living in Brazil’s major cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, and Florianópolis.

Market projections indicate that housing prices and rents may rise between 6% and 10% in nominal terms in 2026, driven by:

• Limited housing supply in prime neighborhoods

• Inflation-adjusted rent contracts

• Strong demand in urban centers

Expats renting in desirable areas should expect housing to consume a significant share of their monthly income, particularly in cities with strong job markets or tourist appeal.

Monthly Cost of Living in Brazil for Expats

While official government agencies do not publish a single “cost of living” figure, widely used private estimates suggest the following averages:

• Single expat: around US$19,000–20,000 per year

• Family of four: over US$40,000 per year, depending on lifestyle and city

• In local currency, monthly expenses for a middle-class family in large cities can exceed R$13,000

These figures typically include housing, food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and leisure, but exclude international school tuition, which can significantly raise costs for families.

Income, Jobs, and Purchasing Power

Brazil’s economy is expected to grow by 1.7% to 1.8% in 2026, reflecting modest but stable expansion. Analysts project real household income growth of close to 4%, supported by a relatively strong labor market.

For expats earning in foreign currency — such as US dollars or euros — Brazil can remain attractive, especially if the exchange rate stays around R$5.50 per US dollar. However, those paid in local currency may still feel pressure from high prices in housing and services.

Fiscal Risks and Long-Term Outlook

Brazil’s fiscal situation continues to influence the cost of living. Public debt is expected to remain above 70% of GDP, limiting the government’s ability to stimulate the economy without increasing inflation or interest rates.

For expats, this reinforces a key reality:

Brazil in 2026 is economically stable, but structurally expensive, particularly for services and credit.

Bottom Line: Is Brazil Affordable for Expats in 2026?

Brazil offers a high quality of life, diverse cities, and a vibrant culture — but affordability depends heavily on income source and location.

Key takeaways for expats:

• Inflation is stable but still noticeable

• Interest rates remain high

• Housing is the main cost pressure

• Foreign-currency earners are better positioned

• Careful budgeting is essential

For expats planning a move in 2026, Brazil remains an attractive destination — but not a low-cost one.

Petrobras (PETR3; PETR4) Production Soars 7.6% in December, Driven by Pre-Salt

Petrobras reported a strong rise in oil and natural gas production in December, with output climbing 7.6% month over month to 3.218 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed), driven largely by pre-salt fields. Oil production rose 7.2% to 2.459 million barrels per day, while natural gas output increased 8.8%, according to Brazil’s oil regulator ANP.

For full-year 2025, Brazil set a new production record, with total oil and gas output reaching 4.897 million boed, up 12.7% versus 2023. Petrobras, responsible for nearly 90% of national production, benefited from the pre-salt layer, which accounted for almost 80% of total output.

Despite the strong operational performance, Petrobras shares faced mixed assessments from financial institutions. Bradesco BBI downgraded the stock to neutral, citing limited upside after a sharp rally and weak fundamentals supporting global oil prices amid rising supply. BTG Pactual also maintained a neutral stance, warning that dividends may fall short of expectations due to higher capital expenditures and non-recurring cash outflows.

Goldman Sachs, however, reiterated a buy recommendation, highlighting attractive medium-term dividend yields and potential political catalysts tied to Brazil’s electoral cycle.

Petrobras shares declined during the session as Brent crude fell around 5% following signs of easing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, reinforcing concerns over global oil oversupply. The drop occurred despite Brazil announcing record oil production levels for 2025.

Beyond short-term market volatility, Petrobras drew attention for the scale of its proven reserves, estimated at 12.1 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Analysts note that the company continues to replace production with new discoveries, underscoring operational efficiency. While theoretical valuations suggest reserves alone could justify a much higher share price, investors continue to apply a discount reflecting oil price volatility and governance risks linked to Petrobras’s state-controlled status.

Beyond Impulsiveness: How Trump’s Strategy Reshaped the U.S.–China Trade War

For years, Donald Trump's foreign policy was described as unpredictable because he followed his personal emotions instead of following established military strategies. Yet a closer examination shows that Trump developed a military strategy which treated China as the core element of American global military operations.

Political analysts and commentators increasingly argue that Trump’s actions represented not a rupture with American foreign policy traditions but an acceleration of a deeper long-term shift which recognized China as the principal strategic challenger to U.S. global hegemony in the 21st century.

A Structural Conflict, Not a Personal Obsession

The trade war which Trump initiated served as an economic battle that formed part of a larger geopolitical conflict which sought to restrict China's development. This perspective helps explain why many of Trump’s most controversial trade measures, particularly tariffs on Chinese goods, were not dismantled by his successor.

The Biden administration maintained existing trade barriers while extending their scope through new restrictions. The United States maintains a bipartisan agreement which exists throughout Washington because all political groups see China as America's primary strategic opponent.

The belief that China represents a fundamental danger to the United States has taken root across all sectors from Congress to major think tanks and defense contractors and mainstream media outlets. The American elite shows increasing concern about two main issues which they perceive to be vital to their society: the decline of the American Century and the potential emergence of Chinese dominance during the 21st century.

Trade War as a Tool of Global Containment

China does not show any willingness to yield under external pressure. Beijing used its extensive historical knowledge and its dedication to strategic independence to strengthen its domestic production capabilities and extend its trading network while accelerating its quest for technological independence.

The situation has evolved into an extended conflict which now behaves like a novel type of Cold War that battles through supply chains and industrial policy and semiconductors and worldwide market access.

A World in Transition

The U.S.-China trade conflict functions as a direct result of fundamental changes that are currently reshaping the global system. The unipolar order that emerged after the Cold War is giving way to a more fragmented and multipolar world, which now distributes economic power and political influence together with technological leadership across multiple different centers.

Trump's foreign policy functions in this situation as a standard foreign policy approach which demonstrates fundamental changes that continue to impact current United States government operations. The United States relationship with China has transformed into a three-part conflict which includes economic and technological and geopolitical elements, and this conflict now serves as the main force that determines worldwide political relations between countries.

The trade war between the United States and China serves as a clear indicator that international power relationships face new changes because both traditional economic definitions and ideological systems fail to describe this current transition.