Stephanie Chevalier
E-commerce research and editorial expert
E-commerce in Brazil - statistics & facts
Brazil is not only the largest and most populous country in Latin America, it is a dynamic tapestry of cultures, languages, and histories that make it truly stand out as a "world apart" in the region. While countries like Mexico have made strides to compete, Brazil remains the leader in Latin America's e-commerce space. In 2023, the country’s online shopping revenues amounted to nearly 186 billion Brazilian reals, more than double the figure from 2019, with a 9.5 percent growth over 2022.
As Brazil’s e-commerce continues to expand, it brings not only rising revenues but also new opportunities across the economy. With an ever-increasing number of online stores, the e-commerce sector is not only reshaping retail but also creating thousands of jobs, solidifying its vital role in the nation’s economic landscape.
As Brazil’s e-commerce continues to expand, it brings not only rising revenues but also new opportunities across the economy. With an ever-increasing number of online stores, the e-commerce sector is not only reshaping retail but also creating thousands of jobs, solidifying its vital role in the nation’s economic landscape.
May the best shopping site win
As of the end of the first half of 2024, Mercado Livre — the Portuguese name for Argentine e-commerce giant Mercado Libre — was the most visited e-commerce website in Brazil. International players are increasingly betting on this massive market, with Amazon and Shopee following closely behind. Since its 2011 launch, Amazon has invested around 33 billion Brazilian reals in the country, counting over 78,000 sellers and an estimated 100 delivery stations by 2024. However, local competitors remain strong. Magazine Luiza, a traditional retailer founded in rural São Paulo in the late 1950s, leads in first-party online sales, far surpassing its competitors. Also known as Magalu, the company has adapted its core business to meet customer demands. In 2023, online sales made up more than 72 percent of Magazine Luiza's total retail sales, compared to less than half before the COVID-19 pandemic.Everybody online says ‘love’
A myriad of online shopping holidays energizes Brazil’s e-commerce throughout the year. Notably, Christmas, Lovers’ Day, and Mother’s Day are peak shopping seasons. The Brazilian version of Valentine's Day, introduced by an adman in 1948, has been celebrated every June 12 since then. In 2024, online sales during the 15-day period leading up to this date were estimated to reach 7.5 billion reals, marking the highest revenue to date. However, e-commerce thrives on more than just love; Black Friday is also a major online event, generating around 5.2 billion reals in revenue in 2023. The strategic timing of these two occasions—mid-year and year-end—indicates that both e-shoppers and e-tailers in Brazil share a common trait: they eagerly await the best opportunities.
