This paper seeks to determine the leading sectors of the economy of the North-East region of Brazil based on input-output matrix methodology and the economic structure of 2011. For that purpose, the regional input-output matrix was updated from 2004 to 2011 and, subsequently, the Rasmussen-Hirschman linkage indices, field of influence and pure linkage indices were calculated, along with the type I and II multipliers of production, employment and income. The results confirm the importance of the textile and chemical sectors, along with those related to the oil industry, and show that the production of intermediate goods is one of the characteristics of the North-East region’s economy.