Brazil sees record 9 million companies with overdue debts

In April 2026 Brazil reached a historic peak of 9 million registered companies (CNPJs) listed as delinquent, according to Serasa Experian. The total outstanding debt rose to R$ 220.9 billion, with each firm carrying an average of 7.1 unpaid accounts and a mean debt of about R$ 24,666. Services accounted for 55.6% of the defaults, followed by commerce (32.4%) and industry (8.1%). Micro‑ and small firms were most vulnerable, representing 8.5 million of the delinquent entities.

The surge occurred despite recent cuts to the central bank’s Selic rate, now at 14.5% per year, leaving credit conditions tight and interest costs high for businesses. The government’s “Novo Desenrola Brasil” program, launched in early May, has processed 85 000 operations and mobilised R$ 11 billion to aid firms in regularising debts, but the overall environment remains challenging.

Economist Camila Abdelmalack warned that the high‑interest environment and a modest slowdown in economic activity continue to pressure company cash flow, suggesting the record could be surpassed later in 2026 if conditions do not improve.