LatAm Business 2023 – Top Trends

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As we enter into the New Year, it is important for businesses to keep an eye on and follow the latest trends and developments in the market. Latin America (“LatAm”) is an extremely diverse and fast-growing region, and there are a number of trends that companies should be aware of as they look to enter or expand into this market in 2023. There are several key trends that are expected to significantly shape the business landscape in LatAm.

In this article, we will explore these top trends and what they mean for companies operating in the region. By understanding and adapting to these trends, businesses can position themselves for success in the coming years.

E-commerce: The growth of e-commerce in LatAm has been absolutely remarkable in recent years and this trend is expected to continue in 2023 as well as in the years to come. The region’s extensive and young population, together with the increasing access to the internet and mobile devices, has created a favorable environment for the flourishing of online shopping. Online marketplace platforms such as MercadoLibre (an Argentine company, “free market” in Spanish) are becoming increasingly popular, and more and more companies are setting up online stores, etc. In light of the above, companies that want to succeed in this market must have a strong online presence as well as be able to offer convenient and secure payment options.

Sustainability: Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important concern for businesses in LatAm. As a result, companies in LatAm are striving to adopt more and more sustainable practices. The latter includes using renewable energy (with LatAm having some of the world’s greatest renewable energy potential), reducing waste, reducing carbon footprint, using eco-friendly materials, to name just a few. Sustainability is thus becoming an increasingly important trend in LatAm, and it is expected to continue gaining traction in 2023 and beyond. Businesses that can prove a commitment to environmental and social responsibility will thus be more attractive to consumers and investors.

Sharing economy: The sharing economy, or the practice of sharing resources and assets rather than owning them, is also gaining popularity in LatAm, with businesses such as ride-sharing (e.g. Cabify, Uber), car-sharing (e.g. Car2Go, Zipcar), coworking spaces, home-sharing (e.g. Airbnb) becoming increasingly attractive. This trend is modifying traditional business models as well as changing the way people think about ownership. It is a trend that is expected to continue growing in the region in 2023 and beyond, as it offers a range of benefits, including convenience, cost savings, sustainability, to name just a few.

Gig economy: The gig economy, or the use of freelance or temporary workers, is also booming in LatAm, with more and more people turning to platforms such as Rappi (a Colombian company), Uber, etc. to make a living. This trend is drastically changing the way companies operate and the way they think about employment. It is a trend that is expected to continue growing in LatAm in 2023 and beyond, since it offers a wide spectrum of benefits, such as flexibility and convenience, for both employers and workers. Businesses that can adapt to this trend and find ways to tap into the gig economy will thus be well-positioned for success in the years to come.

Digital payments: The adoption of digital payment systems is increasing in LatAm, making it easier for people to access financial services and for businesses to accept payments. The result of this trend is improving financial inclusion and increasing access to the formal economy. Overall, digital payments are a trend that is expected to continue growing in the region in 2023 and beyond, as they provide a range of benefits, including convenience and efficiency, for both consumers and businesses.

Infrastructure development: LatAm has historically lagged behind other regions in terms of infrastructure development, however this is starting to change. Many LatAm countries are investing heavily in infrastructure projects (transport, energy, telecommunications, etc.) to support economic growth. Companies that are involved in the construction and operation of these projects stand to benefit significantly.

To conclude: LatAm is a region that is undergoing rapid change. This being said, businesses that want to flourish in the market must get acquainted with and follow the latest trends and adapt to them. The above described trends are shaping the way businesses in LatAm operate and compete, and it will be interesting to see how they evolve this year as well as in the years to come.