Ceará’s GDP to Grow by 6.49% in 2024 and Surpass the National Average
Ceará recorded significant economic progress in 2024, with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by 6.49%, a performance significantly higher than the national average of 2.96%. This result demonstrates the strength of the local economy and reflects the effectiveness of the development incentive policies adopted by the state.
With a favorable environment for investment and strategic sectors on the rise, Ceará reinforces its position as one of the most dynamic states in Brazil, attracting companies, generating jobs and driving innovation.
Sectors that drove growth
Several sectors of Ceará’s economy showed significant growth in 2024, consolidating the state as a development hub in the Northeast.
Agriculture: 18.56% growth
The agricultural sector performed exceptionally well, registering an increase of 18.56% over the year. The highlights were
- Pig production: 12% growth, driven by investments in technology and exports.
- Dairy farming: Expansion of 0.2%, with improvements in productivity and milk quality.
The diversification of production and the strengthening of rural infrastructure contributed to this robust growth.
Industry: Expansion of 12.48%
Ceará’s industrial sector stood out with growth of 12.48%, as a result of the modernization of factories and increased production in the following segments:
- Textiles and clothing: Expansion of the production chain with new investments.
- Metallurgy: Increase in the manufacture of metal products, boosting job creation.
The state’s growing industrialization strengthens its competitiveness on the national stage.
Services sector: Growth of 4.20%
The services sector, which represents a large part of Ceará’s economy, saw an increase of 4.20%, driven by the following factors:
- Expansion of trade: An increase in domestic consumption and in the supply of new products.
- Cultural activities and tourism: Events and festivals boosted the economy and created jobs.
Growth in the sector demonstrates the resilience of Ceará’s economy in the face of national challenges.
Strategic Investments and Innovation
In addition to growth in the sector, Ceará has established itself as a hub for innovation and sustainability, with major investments in renewable energy and technology.
Renewable Energies: National Leadership
The state maintains its leading position in clean energy production, accounting for 27% of the country’s offshore wind projects. With 25 new projects underway, investments in the area already exceed R$ 600 billion.
Green Hydrogen: Projection of US$ 25 Billion in Investments
Ceará is at the forefront of the energy transition, attracting investments for the production of green hydrogen. 41 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) have been signed with national and international companies, in addition to six pre-contracts already signed, demonstrating the state’s potential to become a global hub in this sector.
Labor Market: More Jobs and Less Unemployment
Ceará’s economic growth is directly reflected in job creation. Between January and October 2024, 58,049 new formal jobs were created, totaling more than 110,000 jobs since 2023.
In addition, the unemployment rate fell to 6.7%, the lowest rate since 2014, demonstrating that the state’s development is directly linked to improving the population’s quality of life.
Ceará: An Expanding State
Ceará’s GDP growth in 2024 reinforces the strength of the state’s economy and its ability to attract investment, create jobs and innovate in strategic sectors.
With a promising scenario and well-structured incentive policies, the state is consolidating itself as a national benchmark in sustainable economic development.
