Brazil faces skilled labor shortage despite industrial machinery growth

The Brazilian industrial sector is experiencing a paradox of technological advancement coupled with a critical shortage of skilled labor. While the country is modernizing its manufacturing base, companies are struggling to find professionals capable of programming and optimizing sophisticated machinery.

Data from the Associação Brasileira da Indústria de Máquinas e Equipamentos (ABIMAQ) shows the sector reached a net revenue of approximately R$ 299 billion in 2025, a 7.3% increase from the previous year. Additionally, machine and equipment imports hit a record US$ 32.2 billion. However, a survey by the Confederação Nacional da Indústria (CNI) involving 1,002 entrepreneurs revealed that 62% identify the difficulty of hiring qualified labor as a primary component of the ‘Custo Brasil’ (Brazil Cost).

To mitigate technological dependence and improve efficiency, there is a growing movement toward valuing national technical expertise. Engineers are increasingly focused on developing domestic solutions and adapting foreign technologies to meet the specific needs of the Brazilian market, particularly in strategic sectors like the sugar-energy industry.