E-commerce in Latin America - statistics & facts
The ascendance of the digital sector of economies like Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Colombia underscores a narrative of accelerated growth and burgeoning potential in the region. In this dynamic landscape, Brazil and Mexico are vying for the lead, each accounting for over 25 percent of the Latin American e-commerce market. While the e-commerce revenue of the region still trails behind that of Asia or Europe, Latin America boasts a formidable cohort of over 300 million digital shoppers.
With its gaze set on the horizon, Latin America's e-commerce sector is primed for growth. This trajectory is fueled by digitalization, improved logistics and infrastructure, and groundbreaking technologies reshaping online shopping worldwide. As the region continues to develop and mature, it is likely to assume a progressively influential role in the global e-commerce arena.
The Mercado Libre hegemony
Mercado Libre has been a pivotal force in shaping Latin America’s e-commerce landscape. Originating from Argentina, the company has maintained a dominant presence in the region despite increasing competition. The U.S. e-commerce giant Amazon has shown commitment to capturing a larger market share in the region by enhancing its logistical infrastructure in key markets like Brazil and Mexico. While local competitors like Carrefour Brazil and Walmart de México have also experienced growth in their gross merchandise volume (GMV) figures, none have yet managed to rival Mercado Libre's impressive revenue generation. Mercado Libre continues to lead among Latin American-born e-commerce companies, showcasing a robust business model and widespread consumer reach.Retail and mobile domination
In 2024, online retail sales generated over 319 billion U.S. dollars in Latin America. Among the product categories driving revenue in the region, electronics emerged as a top performer, followed by fashion and food. One of the driving factors behind this surge in e-commerce activity is the widespread adoption of mobile phones, which have played a pivotal role in democratizing internet and, consequently, digital shopping. Regarding retail web visits and orders, smartphones were the preferred choice among Latin American online consumers. By early 2025, these devices accounted for nearly 85 percent of e-commerce site traffic and facilitated almost three-quarters of online retail transactions.With its gaze set on the horizon, Latin America's e-commerce sector is primed for growth. This trajectory is fueled by digitalization, improved logistics and infrastructure, and groundbreaking technologies reshaping online shopping worldwide. As the region continues to develop and mature, it is likely to assume a progressively influential role in the global e-commerce arena.