O CNN Talks: Agro Trends and Scenarios for Brazilcarried out during the Agrishow 2026highlighted the vision of Gerdau about the challenges and opportunities of agribusiness in an unstable global scenario, with a strong emphasis on the need for predictability and the strategic role of the industry.
The company’s CEO, Gustavo Werneck highlighted that agribusiness is an “absolutely relevant” sector for the company, with historical roots that date back to the company’s origins in Brazil. According to him, Gerdau’s presence ranges from the countryside to the machinery industry, with steel present in equipment, trucks and technologies used in modern agriculture.
But the main warning came from the business environment. Werneck stated that the sector is prepared, productive and optimistic, but is holding back new investments due to the lack of “two little words:”. For him, it is up to the government to create safer and clearer conditions for .
The executive also drew attention to the country’s structural risks. He criticized the increase in external dependence in strategic areas, such as machinery, equipment and industrial inputs, and defended a policy of “defense” of industry and agriculture, guaranteeing competitiveness at a global level. “Brazilian industry is competitive within its walls, but loses strength when it leaves them”, he stated.
Another relevant point was technological transformation. Werneck highlighted that steel has evolved with innovation — including nanotechnology — allowing greater resistance and lower weight, with a direct impact on efficiency and energy consumption in the field. Furthermore, it highlighted the advancement of new demands, such as data centers, which are also driving the sector.
The executive also pointed out a recurring obstacle: the lack of a stable economic environment has pushed the production sector into basic discussions, such as price, instead of focusing on expansion and innovation. For him, it is necessary to raise the level of debate and recognize business as the protagonist of development.
Gerdau’s central message in the debate was clear: Brazilian agriculture has strength, scale and global demand, but it needs predictability, security and consistent policies to take the next leap.
