Brazil's federal state companies ran a R$7.8 billion (US$1.54bn) primary deficit in the first half of 2026 - more than in any full year since records began.

Brazil's federal state companies ran a R$7.8 billion (US$1.54bn) primary deficit in the first half of 2026 - more than in any full year since records began.

Brazil ran a nominal deficit of 9.99% of GDP in the 12 months to June 2026. Interest was 8.80% of that; the primary gap was just 1.19%.