Strategic Profile of Mercado Libre

Online commerce has recorded exponential growth since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. With more people working from and spending time at home, multiple companies have developed an online presence to continue making sales and reaching new customers. In this context, online marketplaces were among the sites most used by customers looking to buy products online.

Created in 1999 in Argentina, Mercado Libre quickly positioned itself as the largest eCommerce company in the region and one of the most important worldwide. The company allows sellers to advertise their inventories on its website and connects them to buyers interested in their products. Among the multiple segments that Mercado Libre advertises, clients can find new and used vehicles as well as automotive auto parts. Vendors have announced over 407,000 vehicles in the first segment and 3 million advertisements related to the second segment in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. Mercado Libre has also developed different platforms (e.g., Mercado Envios, its last-mile delivery services) and its fintech, Mercado Pago, which customers can use to purchase on its website.

This profile overviews the company's business model, value proposition, and partner ecosystem to understand which internal and external factors drive its success and growth. In addition, this research service explores challenges that Mercado Libre will likely face in the immediate future and long term, as well as opportunities for key stakeholders along the value chain.