Provincial Enterprise: Pernambuco’s Economy in Late 19th-Century Brazil

Abstract

This paper investigates Pernambuco’s economy during the second half of the 19th century, focusing on its export-import performance and the dynamics of the domestic market. Using specialized historiography and ministerial reports, the study examines changes in sugar and cotton production, the commercial prominence of Recife, and the strategic role of steam navigation in regional trade integration. Pernambuco is portrayed as a key player in the redistribution of goods and interprovincial supply chains, maintaining commercial relevance even as Brazil’s economic axis shifted toward the South. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of the province’s trade networks, financial structures, and its role in shaping Brazil’s national economy.