Brasilia: Brazil's economy has emerged from its worst recession on record with the fastest growth rate in nearly four years, new data shows, boosting President Michel Temer's case for staying in office as he battles a corruption scandal.

Brazil's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 1.0 per cent in the first quarter from the preceding one, matching economists' forecasts for the biggest rise since the second quarter of 2013.

Embattled Brazilian President Michel Temer, front, next to former president Jose Sarney on Wednesday. Credit:AP

Growth is unlikely to stay as strong in the second quarter, economists said, as the first-quarter performance was driven up by extraordinary harvests of corn and soy and by a strong build-up in inventories across the economy.

Yet Temer, who has resisted protests for his resignation after being placed under investigation by the Supreme Court, tweeted minutes after the release: "The recession is over. After eight consecutive falls, the Brazilian economy has returned to growth".