The State of Saint Catherine It is confirmed as one of the main drivers of the Brazilian economy. Between January and May 2026, the industrial sector created 24,527 new formal jobs, recording a growth of 3.09%, more than double the national average, which in the same period stopped at1.43%.
The data, released by Ministry of Labor and Employment through the New Cadastro Geral de Empregados e Desempregados (Novo Caged), highlight the solidity of the manufacturing sector in Santa Catarina and its ability to continue generating employment in an economic context still characterized by uncertainty.
Considering all economic sectors, in the first five months of the year Santa Catarina recorded a positive balance of 61,658 new jobs with regular contracts, The Brazil’s third best result. In front of the Southern State they are only placed Saint Paul, with 215,924 new jobs, And Minas Gerais, with 87,375.
The contribution of industry is particularly significant: 128,353 jobs created overall by the Brazilian industrial sector between January and May, almost a fifth It was generated right in Santa Catarina. In other words, the State has concentrated approximately 20% of all new industrial employment in the country in the period considered.
The result confirms Santa Catarina’s strategic role in the Brazilian industrial landscape. Thanks to a diversified economy, ranging from mechanical engineering to textiles, from agribusiness to machinery manufacturing, the state continues to attract investment and maintain a high demand for skilled labor, consolidating its position as one of Brazil’s main manufacturing hubs.