Brazil Summit - Events

2026 Brazil Summit

One of the most important events in the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce’s annual calendar

Gain exclusive insights into Brazil’s economy and connect with key decision-makers.

2026 marked the 25th edition of the Brazil Summit, the flagship event uniting Brazil’s foremost policymakers with a select audience of influential leaders from the corporate and government spheres. Panelists explored Brazil’s economic outlook, policy agenda, and investment climate.

Organized since 2002, this exclusive, high-level dialogue — held annually in New York alongside the spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF — features a keynote address delivered by Brazil’s Minister of Finance, Central Bank Governor, or other senior official, offering direct insight into the country’s fiscal strategy and economic priorities. These perspectives are complemented by expert-led panels addressing trade, investment, and macroeconomic trends shaping Brazil’s future.

Now in its milestone 25th edition, the Brazil Summit is recognized as a must-attend forum for those seeking a deeper understanding of Brazil’s role in the global economy.

Explore the panel discussions below.

LEBLON BEACH, Rio de Janeiro

2026

Brazil Summit

Key Discussions from the 2026 Brazil Summit

Brazil's October 4th general elections will unfold against the backdrop of a deepening fiscal crisis. Gross public debt reached 78.7% of GDP at the end of 2025 and is set to surpass 80% this year, with market expectations pointing to 83.8% by December and no clear stabilization in sight. The Central Bank of Brazil has begun easing, cutting the Selic rate to 14.75% on March 18th, but the Iran conflict has forced a more cautious trajectory. The primary deficit is projected to widen to around 0.5% of GDP, while nominal deficits have exceeded 8% of GDP for three consecutive years, driving the debt ratio higher.

On the positive side, the rollout of the new VAT system (CBS/IBS) represents a meaningful structural reform. Yet this is offset by tax expenditures nearing R$1 trillion with no reform in sight, poorly targeted social benefits, and a pension system whose deficit has nearly doubled over the past decade. Institutional strains add another layer of uncertainty. The unfolding Caso Master – involving 1.6 million affected depositors and now before the Supreme Federal Court – along with ongoing public security concerns, further complicate the outlook.

The next administration will inherit an agenda that cannot wait. Our panel of distinguished analysts will assess what the next ten to twelve months hold, focusing on policy choices, trade-offs, and risks that will define Brazil’s trajectory.

In a moment of heightened fiscal and institutional challenges, the path ahead for Brazil is a at a turning point. As the Brazil Summit celebrated its 25th edition in 2026, it brought together key decision-makers and industry leaders for a critical conversation on what lies ahead.

Welcoming Remarks:

Will Landers, President and Chairperson of the Board, Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce
John Vetterli, Partner, White & Case LLP

Keynote Speaker:

Welber Oliveira Barral, Counsel & Founding Partner, BMJ Consultores Associados; Former Secretary of Foreign Trade of Brazil (Virtually)

Panel I

Panel II

Macroeconomic and Political Outlook

Moderators:

Paulo Vieira da Cunha, Founder, Verbank Consulting; Former Director, Central Bank of Brazil
Drausio Giacomelli, Adjunct Faculty, Columbia University

Speakers

Fernando Honorato Barbosa, Chief Economist, Banco Bradesco (Virtually)
Alexandre Bassoli, Partner & Chief Economist, Apex Capital (Virtually)
Michael López, Partner, ARKO Advice (Virtually)