Assaí invests R$700 million and PIX grows 27.61% in Brazil.

Investments and innovation mark business in Brazil in November.

The business landscape in Brazil has seen significant developments in the last 72 hours, notably the robust investment plan from Assaí and the expressive growth of the PIX instant payment system.

Assaí announces R$ investment of 700 million for 2026

Assaí, one of the country's leading wholesale chains, announced an investment plan of R$700 million for the year 2026. This investment aims to strengthen the retail and service sector, offering opportunities for small business owners and fostering local economic growth.

PIX registers a 27.6% increase in transactions in the first half of 2025.

According to data from the Central Bank, transactions via PIX grew by 27.61% in the first half of 2025, representing more than half of all financial transactions in Brazil. This growth reinforces the consolidation of PIX as the main means of instant payment in the country, facilitating commerce and the circulation of funds.

SumUp raises R$850 million to support SMEs.

Brazilian fintech SumUp has raised R$850 million to address the credit crisis affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative aims to mitigate the financial impacts and ensure support for the continuity and expansion of these businesses, which are essential to the national economy.

Brazil's trade balance maintains a surplus and grows 7.1%

In the first week of November 2025, the Brazilian trade balance recorded a surplus of US$1.811 billion and a trade flow of US$13.8 billion, representing an increase of 7.11% compared to the same period of the previous year. The agricultural sector stood out with a 42.2% increase in exports, while the manufacturing industry grew by 10.7% of the previous year.

Brazilian startups gain ground in Lisbon.

Ten Brazilian startups were selected for a nine-month internship in Lisbon, Portugal, with the goal of expanding their network and supporting internationalization. The president of APEX Brasil highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence and sustainability as strategic areas for innovation and growth.

Impacts and perspectives

These developments indicate a dynamic business environment, with significant investments, technological advancements, and a strengthening of foreign trade. The growth of PIX (Brazil's instant payment system) and support for SMEs are fundamental for financial inclusion and job creation, while the internationalization of Brazilian startups reinforces the country's global competitiveness.

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