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The readjustment of the minimum wage to R$1.502 in 2025 could leave Brazilians' tables emptier. Meat, rice and even coffee consumption will see a drastic reduction due to inflation and economic policy.
It's as if Brazilians received a ticket to a show, but when they arrived at the event, the stage was empty.
With the minimum wage expected to be adjusted to R$1.502 in 2025, what should have been good news has turned into a worrying reality.
Instead of increasing purchasing power, the new price could leave consumers with less meat on their plates and more difficulties in their daily lives.
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But why doesn't the increase bring any relief to our pockets? The answer involves inflation, economic policy and the mathematics of purchasing power.
According to data released by the Mercado Mineiro website, inflation recovery and timid real growth will not be enough to avoid significant losses in purchasing power.
Currently, the minimum wage is R$1.412, and with the 3,35% adjustment by the National Consumer Price Index (INPC) added to a real gain of 2,9%, it will reach R$1.502 next year.
However, the analysis indicates that inflation will continue to erode the value of wages, which will result in a drastic reduction in the consumption of basic items such as meat, rice and coffee.
Inflation and its impact on the table
The research details how the reduction in purchasing power will directly affect Brazilians’ diet.
In 2024, with the minimum wage Currently, it was possible to purchase 46 kg of beef. Next year, with the expected adjustment, this amount will fall to 42 kg.
The scenario does not improve for other types of protein. In the case of pork, the consumer will no longer buy 11 kg of ribs, dropping from 60 kg to 49 kg.
Chicken breast, one of the most popular and affordable options, will be reduced from 105 kg to 91 kg.
These numbers reveal the difficulty of maintaining a balanced diet in the face of rising prices.
Basic products such as rice and beans will also be impacted. Rice, which was purchased in larger quantities, will be reduced by seven packages, while coffee, affected by climate issues, will see a loss of 34 500g packages per year.
Even soybean oil, an essential ingredient in the kitchen, will be purchased in smaller volumes: 93 fewer units, considering 900 ml packages.
Fuels and gas
The impact of inflation is not limited to Brazilians' tables. Fuel prices are also experiencing a significant drop in purchasing power.
According to the survey, it will be possible to purchase 25 liters less of gasoline and 76 liters less of ethanol in 2025.
In the case of gas cylinders, the scenario remains stable, with the possibility of purchasing the same quantity of 13 units next year.
Beans as an exception
Not all is lost. Among the products analyzed, carioquinha beans appear as an exception.
With the new minimum wage, the consumer will be able to buy 255 kg, an increase compared to the 214 kg possible in 2024.
This variation demonstrates that not all items will follow the trend of significant upward prices.
The political and economic context
The change in purchasing power is a direct reflection of recent economic policies.
The proposal to adjust the minimum wage, presented by Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, follows the rules of the new fiscal framework.
This measure limits expenditure growth to a range between 0,6% and 2,5% above inflation, depending on the economic scenario.
Despite ensuring savings to public coffers – estimated at R$11,9 billion between 2025 and 2026 –, the proposal faced resistance.
It goes against the historic banner of increasing the minimum wage defended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, generating friction even within the government base.
what is at stake?
The reduction in purchasing power highlights the challenges faced by Brazilian families in the face of an unstable economy.
Although the minimum wage adjustment aims to keep up with inflation, it is not enough to guarantee a real improvement in the population's standard of living.
The scenario forces consumers to adopt savings and price research strategies, as highlighted by the administrator of the Mercado Mineiro website.
“The real loss of purchasing power shows the impact of inflation on everyday life. Researching prices is essential to minimize this erosion in the budget,” he reinforces.
Given this scenario, the question remains: How will it be possible to guarantee quality food and access to essential items with increasingly reduced purchasing power?
Funny, wasn't the president of the poor the one who would solve all of Brazil's problems? Apparently, he's only solving his own situation and that of the **** allied to him. He's just spending too much on trips, with the money we pay in taxes, which should be used to benefit the people, but we all see that this isn't the case with this ****. And the worst part is that there are people who still believe in him, even though they're in need. Unfortunately, everyone is paying for the mistakes of others.
LULADRÃO
We went 4 years without ANY increase in the minimum wage, in the last government... And it is precisely to avoid inflation that the government will grant a smaller real increase, as the increase in consumption creates pressure for an increase in inflation...
Retail is breaking sales records… Price increases are not out of the ordinary…
There is no point in complaining about this government because there will always be blind and partisan people to defend it. We need to stop being partisan and open our eyes to reality. We are paying a high price for continuing to believe in people with persuasive words and beautiful speeches but in practice not fulfilling the promises made.