Industry in Ceará is growing above the national average and attracting billions in investments.
The state strengthens its industrial park and makes progress in renewable energy.
247 - Ceará has established itself as one of the highlights of the Brazilian economy in 2025, with industrial performance exceeding the national average. Data from the Institute of Economic Research and Strategy of Ceará (Ipece) indicates that, in the second quarter, the state experienced growth of 3,5% compared to the same period in 2024, more than triple the Brazilian average, which was 1,1%. This information was published by... Valor Econômico.
The expansion was driven by the electricity, gas, and water sectors, which advanced 7%, in addition to the manufacturing industry, which grew 3,1%, with metallurgy standing out. Governor Elmano de Freitas (PT) stated that public investments should exceed R$ 10 billion between 2025 and 2026. “This year, we have already surpassed R$ 2,5 billion in committed funds, and the expectation is to end 2025 above R$ 4 billion, exceeding the R$ 3,9 billion recorded in 2024,” he declared.
Advancement of the private sector and new hubs
In the private sector, the State recorded R$ 3,4 billion in investments in 2024, supported by the Industrial Development Fund (FDI). For 2025, letters of intent already total R$ 10 billion, according to Danilo Serpa, president of the Ceará State Development Agency (Adece).
Among the new ventures, the automotive hub stands out, planned as a "multi-brand plant." General Motors is the first automaker to operate in the space. "The investment is R$ 400 million, with a forecast of generating up to 9 jobs," said Serpa.
Energy transition and green hydrogen
Ceará is also betting on the energy transition. The Pecém Complex houses the Green Hydrogen (H2V) Hub, which has already accumulated more than 40 memoranda of understanding and seven pre-contracts with companies such as Casa dos Ventos and EDF. The project foresees US$ 30 billion in investments, with production expected to begin in 2027.
A pioneer in wind energy in the country, the state currently has 102 plants in operation, totaling 2,65 GW of installed capacity. Another 68 projects are under development, with a projected delivery of an additional 2,7 GW, as well as 26 offshore projects in the licensing phase.
Tourism is booming, but qualification challenges exist.
The tourism sector also showed strong growth. Up to August 2025, the state received 69,6 international visitors on direct flights, a 29,6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The increase was driven by promotional campaigns and the opening of new routes, including Madrid and Montevideo.
Despite the positive outlook, experts warn of the need to expand the training of a skilled workforce. “Partnerships between universities, institutes, and the private sector can accelerate an innovation ecosystem,” assessed Christiano Penna, professor at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) and researcher at the Center for Studies for the Development of the Northeast of the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV-Ibre).
With robust investments, industrial expansion, and a focus on renewable energy, Ceará is emerging as a benchmark for regional development and innovation in Brazil.
