Latin America has emerged as one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in the world. Countries like Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile are experiencing a significant increase in online shoppers, making this region a promising landscape for international sellers. Mercado Libre, the leading e-commerce platform in the region, offers a robust solution for global businesses to enter these emerging markets through its Global Selling program.
What is the size of the e-commerce market in LATAM?
The Latin American market presents a vibrant environment for e-commerce. Here are a few highlights:
Brazil: With an annual revenue of USD 35.7 billion, Brazilian e-commerce accounts for around 9% of total retail sales. The country has approximately 76.3 million online buyers, about 36% of the population.
Mexico: The Mexican e-commerce market is rapidly expanding, with projections estimating growth from USD 34 billion in 2021 to around USD 63 billion by 2025.
Colombia: Although specific numbers vary, Colombia is widely recognized as an emerging player in the region, with a growing number of consumers embracing online shopping.
Chile: E-commerce represents 11% of total retail sales in Chile, outperforming the Latin American average.
What is Mercado Libre Global Selling and what are the opportunities for entrepreneurs from LATAM, the U.S., and Europe?
Similar to Amazon’s Global Selling program, Mercado Libre Global Selling enables international sellers to list and sell products across major Latin American markets using a single account. With over 65 million active buyers and a presence in 18 countries, Mercado Libre offers:
Access to emerging markets: Rapid e-commerce growth is creating increasing demand for quality products.
Established infrastructure: A reliable platform with integrated payment and shipping solutions simplifies international operations.
Multilingual support: Automatic translation tools allow sellers to communicate effectively in Spanish and Portuguese.
Compared to the mature and saturated e-commerce markets of the U.S. and Europe, Latin America presents a unique opportunity for growth.
Do I need a registered company to sell on Mercado Libre Global Selling?
Yes. To participate in Mercado Libre Global Selling, you must have a registered business in either the United States, China, or Hong Kong. Opening a company in China or Hong Kong can be expensive and complex.
Opening a U.S. company, however, is fast, affordable, and can be done 100% remotely. With an investment starting at $500, entrepreneurs from LATAM or Europe can register a business without needing to be physically present in the U.S.
Mercado Libre requires that sellers have a formally registered business entity but does not require the business owner to be a U.S. resident.
Globalfy streamlines this entire process, offering full support in Portuguese and helping entrepreneurs structure their U.S. business without bureaucracy.
What documents are required?
For the business (all provided with Globalfy’s services):
U.S.-registered company name
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
U.S. business address
For the person responsible for the company, the required documents are simple—no U.S. residency or citizenship is needed.
– Valid passport
– W8 form (provided with Globalfy’s support)
– Personal information: full name, nationality, date of birth, and address
Mercado Libre does not require the business owner to be a U.S. resident, allowing entrepreneurs from LATAM and Europe to sell freely.
Shipping options with Mercado Libre
Mercado Libre offers two primary shipping solutions for international sellers:
Mercado Envios Full: You ship your products in bulk to Mercado Libre’s fulfillment centers, and they handle the logistics. Currently, this option is available only in Mexico.
Mercado Envios Direct to Consumer: You ship products directly to end customers using Mercado Libre’s partnered couriers. This option offers flexibility to manage your own inventory and shipping.
What are the costs?
Fees vary by country and product category, but generally include:
Sales fee: Applied once a sale is made, depending on the marketplace and product category.
Listing fee: Product listings are free as long as the minimum price requirement is met.
Amazon Global Selling vs. Mercado Libre Global Selling
| Features | Amazon Global Selling | Mercado Libre Global Selling |
| Available Markets | North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and more | Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile |
| Customer reach | 300M+ active customers | 65M+ active customers |
| U.S. company required | Not mandatory (varies by market) | Mandatory (U.S., China, or HK) |
| Shipping options | FBA and merchant-fulfilled | Envios Full and Direct to Consumer |
| Sales fees | Varies by country and category | Varies by country and category |
| Entry barriers | High (due to competition and requirements) | Lower, ideal for new sellers |
| Payment options | Amazon Pay, credit cards, local options | Mercado Pago |
| Supported languages | English, Spanish, French, German, and more. | Spanish and Portuguese |
| Competitiveness | High, saturated with big brands | Less saturated, high LATAM demand |
| Logistics infrastructure | Global distribution centers | Strong LATAM infrastructure, but less than Amazon. |
What’s the next step?
Globalfy is ready to help entrepreneurs from LATAM and Europe establish their businesses in the U.S. and provide the documentation needed to open a Mercado Libre Global Selling account. With dedicated support in Portuguese and Spanish, we ensure a smooth, professional, and successful expansion into one of the world’s fastest-growing e-commerce regions. Check our plans and find the right one for your business.
