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Is the word comércios the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the spelling and fundamental meaning of "comércios" are identical in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, the singular comércio is frequently used metonymically to refer to a specific geographical area, such as a shopping district or "downtown" (e.g., "Vou ao comércio"), a usage much less common in Portugal. Additionally, while the plural comércios is grammatically correct in both, it is quite rare in casual Brazilian speech; Brazilians much prefer the word lojas (shops) or estabelecimentos (establishments) when referring to multiple businesses.

Brazilian examples (using "comércios" in natural, formal/news contexts):

1. "Os comércios locais foram afetados pela forte chuva." (Local shops were affected by the heavy rain.)
2. "A prefeitura proibiu os comércios de funcionar após as 22h." (The city hall prohibited shops from operating after 10 PM.)
3. "Os comércios da região estão em plena expansão." (The businesses in the region are in full expansion.)
4. "É preciso investir nos comércios de bairro para fortalecer a economia." (It is necessary to invest in neighborhood shops to strengthen the economy.)
5. "Os comércios de rua enfrentam grandes desafios atualmente." (Street shops face great challenges currently.)

Portuguese examples (using the words a Portuguese person would naturally use):

1. "As lojas locais foram afetadas pela forte chuva." (Local shops were affected by the heavy rain.)
2. "A câmara proibiu os estabelecimentos de funcionar após as 22h." (The council prohibited establishments from operating after 10 PM.)
3. "O comércio da região está em plena expansão." (The commerce/trade of the region is in full expansion.)
4. "É preciso investir no comércio de bairro para fortalecer a economia." (It is necessary to invest in neighborhood commerce to strengthen the economy.)
5. "As lojas de rua enfrentam grandes desafios atualmente." (Street shops face great challenges currently.)