Paraíba is expected to register the highest economic growth in the Northeast and the third highest in Brazil in 2026, according to Banco do Brasil

Paraíba will consolidate its prominent position in the national economic landscape in 2026. According to the Regional Review report, released by Banco do Brasil this April, the state is expected to achieve a 4.4% growth in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This index places Paraíba as the fastest-growing economy in the Northeast and the third fastest-growing in all of Brazil, behind only Roraima (4.8%) and tied with Amapá (4.4%).

Paraíba's performance is more than double the national average projected for the same period, which is 2.0%. While the country faces a scenario of slowdown and global geopolitical uncertainties, Paraíba demonstrates resilience and economic strength.

"Being at the top of regional growth and among the top three in the country shows that Paraíba has created a favorable and safe business environment for investments, also attested by the brAAA/Stable rating assigned to the state by S&P Global National Ratings," highlights the Secretary of Planning, Budget and Management of Paraíba (Seplag-PB), Gilmar Martins.

The Secretary of Finance, Marialvo Laureano, also commented on Paraíba's performance: “The basis of everything continues to be precisely the seriousness in management and fiscal balance, which has elevated Paraíba to another level in investments with its own resources and in public accounts, because we not only have our payroll and supplier payments up to date, but we have also invested and attracted private investments, as is the case with the Cabo Branco Tourist Hub, with almost R$ 3 billion raised in this project alone. Paraíba has been recognized nationally, and this means that each positive result in the economy attracts new investments and businesses, because companies want to invest in a state with legal security and balanced accounts. We have been a CAPAG “A+”, the highest rating from the National Treasury, for six years. In other words, we are a state that demonstrates seriousness and care with public resources to promote growth and development for the benefit of the people of Paraíba.”

Engines of Growth

According to an analysis by Banco do Brasil, the growth of Paraíba's GDP in 2026 will be driven by strategic sectors. The report highlights, specifically for the state, the fundamental role of the construction industry, which has been one of the main regional drivers.

Furthermore, the composition of Paraíba's growth in 2026 reveals a solid balance between productive sectors:

- Services: Projected increase of 4.4%, following the pace of total GDP.

- Industry: Expected growth of 3.0%.

- Agriculture: Projected growth of 1.9%.

Reference in the Northeast and Brazil - Paraíba's growth significantly exceeds the projected average for the Northeast region, which is 2.5%. The state leads the regional ranking by a wide margin, followed by states such as Ceará (2.8%) and Sergipe (2.6%).