As companies increasingly consider Latin America for nearshore manufacturing, industrial parks in Peru have emerged as strategic locations offering a compelling mix of cost competitiveness, infrastructure, access to international markets, and growing industrial ecosystems. For site selection consultants and corporate decision-makers evaluating global expansion opportunities, Peru presents several well-established industrial parks supported by favorable economic policies, strong logistics infrastructure, and a skilled workforce.

This blog post provides a detailed overview of the country’s most prominent industrial parks, infrastructure quality, labor availability, regulations, financial incentives, and operational costs—key factors for determining a suitable manufacturing location in Latin America.

Leading Industrial Parks in Peru

Peru’s industrial zones are mainly concentrated around Lima, Callao, Arequipa, and Trujillo. These areas offer access to large urban labor markets, major transportation corridors, and established supplier networks.

Indupark (Lurín, Lima)

Indupark, located in Lurín within the Lima metropolitan area, is one of the most modern and in-demand industrial parks in Peru. It spans over 250 hectares and offers Class A infrastructure with paved roads, drainage systems, perimeter security, and stable power and water supplies. Its proximity (35 km) to the Port of Callao—the country’s main seaport—and Jorge Chávez International Airport makes it ideal for companies needing efficient access to global markets.

Tenant mix includes multinational logistics operators, automotive parts manufacturers, food processing companies, and packaging firms. Indupark’s cluster benefits include shared infrastructure and synergies among firms operating in sectors like plastics, agroindustry, and light manufacturing.

MacrOpolis Industrial and Logistics Hub (Lurín, Lima)

MacrOpolis is another major industrial complex in Lurín with over 1,000 hectares planned for development. Backed by Grupo Centenario, the park offers built-to-suit and pre-leased warehouses and facilities with modern utilities, 24/7 surveillance, and broadband telecommunications. It hosts companies in consumer goods, logistics, and light industry.

The park’s long-term development strategy and integration with educational institutions aim to foster innovation and workforce training partnerships, an increasingly valuable asset for manufacturers seeking long-term talent development.

Parque Industrial La Chutana (Chilca, south of Lima)

La Chutana, located sixty kilometers south of Lima, is a large-scale industrial park with over five hundred hectares of developed land and expansion capacity. It features robust infrastructure—natural gas pipelines, potable water systems, and a connection to the national power grid. The park also benefits from a modern internal road network and planned rail links.

It is Ideal for heavy industry, chemical production, and energy-intensive operations, La Chutana attracts manufacturers looking for lower land costs outside the congested Lima metro while still benefiting from access to Callao and Lima’s labor pool.

Parque Industrial Piura Futura (Piura)

Situated in northern Peru, Piura Futura is a rising industrial park in Peru targeting agro-industrial and export-oriented manufacturers. Its location near key agricultural zones and the Paita Port makes it strategic for food processing, packaging, and cold chain logistics operations. The park is supported by the regional government and private developers seeking to decentralize industrial activity and attract foreign investment.

Zona Franca de Tacna (ZOFRATACNA)

Though not a traditional industrial park, ZOFRATACNA in southern Peru functions as a special trade zone with substantial tax exemptions and customs benefits. It supports assembly, manufacturing, and warehousing for companies exporting to Chile, Bolivia, and other Pacific Alliance members. The free zone offers valuable regulatory advantages for businesses focused on re-exporting or regional distribution.

Labor Availability, Cost, and Regulations

Peru has a young and growing labor force. Lima, the country’s capital, is home to over ten million people and provides a deep and diverse labor market for technical, managerial, and production roles. Secondary cities like Arequipa, Trujillo, and Piura also offer skilled workers and expanded industrial training centers.

Labor costs are competitive, with monthly minimum wages around USD $279 (as of 2025). Average manufacturing wages range from USD $400 to $800/month, depending on region, sector, and skill level, significantly lower than rates in North America. Peru has a 48-hour workweek and mandates social security contributions, bonuses, and severance pay.

Union activity is relatively moderate compared to neighboring countries. While labor laws protect workers’ rights to organize, unionization rates in manufacturing are not high, and industrial actions are infrequent. Nonetheless, compliance with Peruvian labor law is essential, and companies should budget for benefits such as annual bonuses (Gratificaciones) and Compensación por Tiempo de Servicios (Compensation for Time of Services), a severance savings fund.

Peru has invested in technical education through institutions like SENATI (National Industrial Training Service), which works closely with manufacturers to develop curricula aligned with industrial needs. Access to trained talent is particularly robust in Lima and the southern corridor.

Infrastructure: Transportation, Utilities, and Telecommunications

Peru’s central location on the Pacific Coast enables efficient connectivity with North America, Asia, and neighboring countries via the Port of Callao, one of the largest and most modern ports on the continent.

Freight costs to the U.S. West Coast are competitive, with typical shipping container rates from Callao to Los Angeles or Houston ranging from $1,500 to $2,300, depending on seasonal demand. Domestic trucking costs range from $0.08 to $0.15 per ton-kilometer, affected by terrain and congestion near urban centers. Peru has expanded its road network, especially the Panamericana Highway, connecting key industrial hubs to ports and borders.

Energy reliability has improved markedly. Industrial parks near Lima and Arequipa benefit from access to stable electricity grids, natural gas, and water supply. Renewable energy sources—especially hydroelectricity and solar—are being integrated, making the energy matrix more sustainable.

Telecommunications infrastructure is advanced in Lima and improving in other regions. Most industrial zones offer high-speed fiber-optic internet, 4G/5G mobile coverage, and enterprise-grade telecom services.

Tax Incentives and Business Climate

Peru offers a business-friendly regulatory environment. Corporate income tax stands at 29.5%, but special regimes and accelerated depreciation schemes are available for new industrial investments.

Companies in free trade zones such as ZOFRATACNA enjoy income tax exemptions, import duty relief, and streamlined customs procedures. Investments in manufacturing for export may qualify for temporary import regimes, which defer tariffs on raw materials and components. The National Superintendency of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT) offers digital tools to simplify compliance and reduce red tape.

Peru ranks above average in Latin America on the World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business” indicators, particularly in starting a business, getting construction permits, and international trade.

Environmental regulations are handled by the Ministry of Environment (MINAM) and relevant sector agencies. Industrial parks typically assist tenants in obtaining required Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and most offer integrated waste management and compliance monitoring systems.

Real Estate and Operating Costs

Lease rates for Class A industrial buildings in Lima range from USD $5 to $8 per square meter per month, depending on location, size, and build quality. Construction costs for new industrial facilities average between USD $500 and $750 per square meter, though costs can be higher for specialized infrastructure such as cold storage or cleanrooms.

Operating expenses, security, maintenance, lighting, and janitorial services—typically add $0.75 to $1.50 per square meter per month. Waste management services vary by park but average $100 to $250 per ton, with discounts for bulk or recurring contracts.

Additional costs such as facility management and 24/7 security are usually bundled into lease agreements in parks like Indupark and MacrOpolis, which offer fully managed environments to reduce administrative burdens on tenants.

Tenant Mix, Cluster Benefits, and Global Track Record

The most successful industrial parks in Peru host a range of global and regional companies in sectors such as automotive components, logistics and 3PL providers, food and beverage processing, plastics and packaging, and light engineering and electronics.

This diversity allows for cluster effects, including localized supply chains, talent pools with sector-specific skills, and shared service providers.

For instance, in Indupark and MacrOpolis, logistics companies co-locate with consumer goods and packaging firms, reducing freight costs and lead times. Parks like La Chutana specialize in heavy industry and energy-intensive manufacturing, attracting firms that benefit from proximity to gas pipelines and substations.

Many global brands—including Nestlé, Kimberly-Clark, DHL, and Arca Continental—have a strong presence in Peru’s industrial zones, highlighting the country’s reliability as a manufacturing base.

Conclusion

For companies engaged in nearshore manufacturing site selection, industrial parks in Peru offer a strong value proposition: access to competitive labor, robust infrastructure, favorable tax regimes, and reliable logistics. The country’s strategic Pacific location, improving regulatory environment, and expanding pool of trained labor make it an increasingly attractive destination for foreign manufacturers.

While Lima remains the dominant industrial hub, emerging parks in Piura and Tacna reflect a broader national strategy to decentralize growth and support regional development. Whether your client is seeking cost-effective production, access to Andean and Pacific markets, or alignment with ESG standards, industrial parks in Peru deserve thoughtful consideration in the nearshore location evaluation process.

The adoption of a robotics law could make El Salvador the first country in the world to do so

Salvadoran lawmakers have advanced AI and robotics policy in Latin America and around the world with a new initiative to regulate artificial intelligence and robotics. On February 28, the country’s Legislative Assembly approved the Artificial Intelligence Law, which sets the legal and regulatory foundation for the responsible adoption and use of AI technologies.

At the same time, the National Bitcoin Office of El Salvador (ONBTC) has also drafted a proposed Robotics Law, which could make the small Central American country the first in the world to regulate the use and development of physical AIs. The Robotics Law and the Artificial Intelligence Law are landmark initiatives that signal a major technological transformation for El Salvador.

The AI Law as It Stands

The Artificial Intelligence Law was approved by the Salvadoran legislature at the end of February and is expected to be put in place in the coming months, according to an official statement by the country’s National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC). ONBTC describes the legislation as “bold and progressive” and states that it is intended to make AI a practical part of the Salvadoran economy as soon as possible.

The new legislation will set out guidelines and standards for AI use in multiple sectors, including electric power, transportation, and national security. The AI law, which was spearheaded by ONBTC, provides a legal and institutional basis for the rapid and safe adoption of AI.

ONBTC has stated that the law, among other things, “aims to regulate the use and development of Artificial Intelligence with the goal of promoting its use for the benefit of Salvadoran society.” The law goes even further, ONBTC says, with a view to “permitting a rapid and responsible” adoption of AI across multiple sectors.

In March, Salvadoran government representatives, led by President Nayib Bukele, highlighted the advancement of AI and the broader technology sector as critical national priorities while also laying out steps to speed the adoption of AI. Among other things, the law will also establish an institutional framework, ONBTC said, as well as “research centers such as the development of intelligence laboratories and research centers” and the creation of a National Artificial Intelligence Agency (ANIA) that will, among other things, be responsible for monitoring compliance with the law.

The New AI Law Explained

El Salvador advances AI and robotics policy with the new AI Law, which has the following elements and key points:

Purpose. The law makes it clear that AI technologies must be applied for the public good and in a responsible way. “The purpose of this law is to regulate the use and development of Artificial Intelligence with the goal of promoting its use for the benefit of Salvadoran society, facilitating a rapid and responsible adoption,” the ONBTC explained in an official statement.

Scope. The law covers the use and development of artificial intelligence for both private sector and state actors. “Artificial intelligence is used and developed both by the State and by the private sector,” the law reads, adding that AI will be applied in government operations, including electricity distribution, electric transportation, and national defense and security.

Research and Standards. The law calls for the creation of “centros de investigación e inteligencia artificial” (research centers and artificial intelligence centers) and the development of a legal entity called the National Artificial Intelligence Agency (ANIA) to manage and monitor compliance with the law. ANIA will also facilitate compliance with other national standards and global best practices.

Permitting. Licenses will be required for AI development and application in a broad range of operations. The law also calls for ANIA to “regulate the authorization, supervision, control, and revocation of intelligence laboratories, research centers and/or centers dedicated to research, development, and experimentation of Artificial Intelligence, as well as those that have them as a support function.”

Expectations for the Robotics Law

El Salvador advances AI and robotics policy in a potentially groundbreaking way by also seeking to adopt a specific Robotics Law that, if passed by the Salvadoran legislature and put in place, would regulate the development and use of physical robots or AI entities.

According to the country’s ONBTC, the robotics law is intended to create a “clear, ethical and transparent” regulatory framework for the deployment of physical AI. “Physical AI refers to any form of intelligence that has a material dimension, such as drones, robots, or androids that may be used to interact with the environment or people,” ONBTC said, adding that the robotics law will be enacted before wide-scale commercial deployments of physical AIs.

The Onus is on El Salvador

Salvadoran lawmakers are taking an ambitious and risk-ready approach to AI regulation, and one that would, if successful, put the country at the very forefront of innovation. At this stage, the country already leads on AI policy in Central America and the wider Latin American region, having taken steps to make Bitcoin legal tender and create a robust infrastructure for its adoption.

El Salvador advances AI and robotics policy in a very significant way by taking steps to legislate its use. The development of AIs in all their forms, including the so-called “strong AIs,” is proceeding at a fast pace and will almost certainly be widespread before we realize it. Instead of waiting until then, El Salvador is regulating them before that happens and showing regional leadership in AI.

Peru has been attracting investments for projects in the Amazon in recent years, with the aim of positioning itself as a leader in the region in terms of sustainable development and environmental conservation. The country has identified 40 projects in the Amazon Basin, of which 13 are considered to be viable. In that sense, it ranks as the second country with the most projects in the Amazon Basin.

Camilo Carrillo, associate partner for infrastructure at EY Peru, shared some of the most promising investments in the Amazon region with The Peru Report. Among them are projects related to ecotourism, environmental conservation and protection, and biodiversity. One of them, with the most visibility, is the Choquequirao Cable Car project.

Choquequirao, an archaeological site in the Cusco region and considered the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, has been difficult to visit by traditional tourist circuits due to its difficult access. However, this would change with the arrival of the cable car.

There are also several projects related to tourism in other Amazonian destinations. For instance, cableways to be installed in Ahuashiyacu, Sauce Lake, or Gran Pajatén Archaeological Complex, among others, would allow a more comfortable way of accessing these places and generating tourism in them.

On the other hand, some projects in conservation and biodiversity have been listed, especially those with the status of protected natural areas. In this context, it is estimated that there are around 400 sites that receive this designation.

In Peru, 23 investment promotion entities are dedicated to promoting projects in the Amazon. Peru’s Amazon includes all projects implemented with public-private cooperation (PPP), as well as the preparation of studies and contracts carried out exclusively by the State and those in the project pipeline.

Economic Activities in the Amazon Basin

Agriculture, forestry, fishing, aquaculture, and renewable energies are among the main economic activities related to the Amazon. On the one hand, the production of coffee, cacao, medicinal plants, and other traditional or innovative crops is a sustainable practice that can be included in the exploitation of the Amazon basin.

Forestry is also a widely used resource and is beginning to be regulated. Sustainable timber production would be an option to promote, in the same way as the fishing and aquaculture activity has been, through sustainable fishing concessions and aquaculture projects.

On the other hand, as the region represents a great biodiversity and natural habitat of protected native species, eco-friendly and community-tourism projects are viable, especially in places that currently have no influx of visitors. Infrastructure projects in general are also essential, as they are key elements for long-term value generation for communities and investors.

Peru is the Second Country with the Most Projects in the Amazon Basin

In the most recent report “Profile of Public-Private Synergies in Environmental Assets: The Case of the Amazon Basin,” from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Peru is highlighted as the second country with the most projects, just behind Brazil, but with the greatest development potential.

The report pointed out that while Brazil has the most projects identified in the Amazon with 104, followed by Peru with 40, the country with the most developed projects is Peru, which has 13, followed by Brazil with 11.

Projects that favor the development of the Amazon are growing in recent years in Peru. The National Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA) pointed out that between 1994 and 2021, the country’s total investment in hydroelectric projects in this region amounted to 1,295.1 million soles, of which 37.5% came from foreign companies.

Projects in the Amazon with Most Investment

The Amazon, the largest river basin in the world, covers about 7 million square kilometers, making it the largest drainage system on the planet. It encompasses parts of eight Latin American countries.

As a key component of the global ecosystem, it provides the environmental services that humanity depends on, including water regulation, the climate, and a home for an immense array of plants and wildlife.

Challenges for Investment Projects in the Amazon Basin

Projects in the Amazon Basin face a range of challenges in Peru. According to IDB, these include some that have a longer-term or more structural nature, such as legal and institutional uncertainties, lack of operational capacity, and environmental impact studies.

The presence of illegal economies is also one of the problems most often pointed out by different sectors and institutions. “There are illegal economies that are damaging the rule of law. Illegal mining, illegal logging, drug trafficking… in some cases, these activities continue to be present in the jungle,” said Camilo Carrillo.

The projects related to infrastructure for the mining industry are one of the areas that continue to develop the most despite these problems, according to Carrillo, who was invited as a guest of Peru’s National Society of Industries (SNI) to share information about the development of projects in the Amazon basin.

Private Investment Projects in the Amazon

One of the most significant points in the entry of private investment into projects in the Amazon region is the recent public-private partnership (PPP) projects in the tourism and mining sector. It has also included various conservation projects.

The government’s infrastructure promotion entities play a key role. Peru’s Amazon has a wide and diversified pipeline of projects promoted by 23 investment promotion entities dedicated to working in the country’s Amazon.

Juan José Cárdenas, an infrastructure expert, noted that in Peru, there are projects of this nature in sectors such as health and education, with significant execution of PPP projects. The same does not occur in protected natural areas or in projects that also contemplate mining exploitation.

Cárdenas said that a business model similar to PPPs in projects in the Amazon basin could work very well and help scale them up. One of the most important points is to begin to seek channels for moving private investments in this direction, which, added to good legislation, could be developed in the country.

In Brazil, institutions such as the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) have been key. In the case of this country, the environmental issues are also generated by the “large presence of the State in illegal mining and logging.”

Comparison with Brazil, the Only Country with More Projects in the Amazon Basin

Brazil is the country with the most developed projects. In comparison, according to Camilo Carrillo, Brazil has ICMBio, “which is a state institution that works very similar to what ProInversión is for Peru.”

Projects in the Amazon: Future Prospects

As previously mentioned, and according to EY Peru, a key point will be that Peru is expected to count on the support of different regional actors, governments, international cooperation and organizations, civil society, and the private sector.

Peru needs to take advantage of the opportunities, be aware of the barriers, and make decisions and policies to expand and increase access to sustainable finance in the country.

Peru’s priority in the Amazon will be to channel private investment in priority areas such as conservation, nature-based solutions, sustainable agriculture, environmental infrastructure, and responsible mining.

The future perspective on investment in projects in the Amazon is to generate innovative solutions to the environmental crisis by relying on private financing. This includes new instruments for environmental performance bonds and a guarantee fund. “Long-term financing and green bonds should be other types of instruments to start channeling the private sector,” said Camilo Carrillo.

In terms of legislative alignment, it would be relevant to link the financing of the projects with the creation of the High Climate Council or the Organic Law for the Amazon. However, it is indicated that Peru is not behind in this matter, but needs a relevant institution focused on the Amazon, similar to ICMBio in Brazil.

Panama is again being noticed in the international arena. Mercosur announced that Panama is joining the Southern Common Market as an associate member. The agreement was formally signed in December 2024 after both countries had approved the Economic Complementation Agreement.

Mercosur has finally chosen to bring one of the most strategically important countries in the Americas, Panama, into its economic and political fold. With free trade, nearshoring, and digitization being major geopolitical and business drivers, it is critical for Latin American economies to modernize their institutions and regulatory frameworks, creating more integration with neighbors and win-win solutions that will bring opportunities for growth. Mercosur believes that Panama joining the bloc as an associate member will contribute to consolidating and deepening Latin American and Caribbean integration.

Panama Joins Mercosur and Its Opportunities

Panama, a country whose geographic position gives it great logistical, economic, and diplomatic advantages, is part of many international organizations such as ALADI, the WTO, APEC, and the OECD. This is no longer an emerging or growth economy, but rather an economy with a history that could be considered solid.

How, then, can Panama’s joining Mercosur as an associate member benefit both Panama and Mercosur itself? By recognizing its purpose, it opens a real scenario of opportunities. The question then arises: What does Panama gain from being a member of Mercosur?

Mercosur in Numbers

Mercosur was established by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay in 1991, with the goal of advancing towards the free movement of goods, services, and production factors, having a common external tariff, and coordinating trade and foreign investment policy in the international arena.

If we treat Mercosur as a single economy, it is the fifth-largest economy in the world, with 290 million inhabitants. If Mercosur were a country, it would be in fourth place on the list of the most populous countries in the world, between the United States and China. Panama’s joining Mercosur gives it access to this demographic dividend.

Membership Status in Mercosur

Mercosur grants two levels of membership. Full membership has a commitment to community integration, while associate membership is able to sign trade agreements with Mercosur without necessarily committing to the whole program that full membership requires. Panama, joining Mercosur as an associate member, could be a good alternative to allow itself to grow and build momentum to meet full membership conditions in the future.

What Does Panama Gain by Joining Mercosur?

Panama provides Mercosur with several unique advantages. These include strategic geographic location, state-of-the-art logistical and infrastructural assets, international economic credibility, and respect for international standards of governance and transparency. In addition to positioning itself as a logistical axis between the two oceans, Panama also takes pride in being a financial hub, sometimes referred to as the “Singapore of the Americas,” and a dollarized economy that is very stable in the eyes of the investor community.

Minister of Commerce and Industries Julio Moltó, declared that “joining Mercosur will give us the necessary institutional support to modernize our productive matrix and better position Panama as a safe and competitive destination for foreign direct investment.”

When Panama joins Mercosur, an integrated and more diverse market awaits. An integrated Mercosur, with Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and now Panama, offers a multitude of opportunities for cross-border trade, investment, and cooperation. For Panama, Mercosur is not just a market but a gateway to the broader South American region.

Panama and ALADI

Panama is an active member of the Committee of Representatives of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), and its relations with Mercosur are complemented by the goals set within this multilateral framework. María Fábrega, Vice President of the Committee of Representatives of ALADI, stated, “We have the challenge and the responsibility to strengthen our links, but not only as a logistical bridge. I want to be a digital bridge. I also want to be a financial bridge to move forward with infrastructure projects, productive chains, innovation, and mining. We have to look at these elements.”

What Are the Benefits of Mercosur for Panama?

The logic of Mercosur to accept Panama as an associate member, beyond the fact that it is looking to reenergize itself and internationalize more, is that it needs more connectivity. When Mercosur integrates Panama into its structure, it must first be aware that it is obtaining one of the most advanced economies in the region, and the most internationally respected, with a very large logistical, infrastructural, and diplomatic dimension.

On the other hand, although at the moment Mercosur does not directly open the doors to its market for Panama, with Panama joining Mercosur, these ties of international commerce can be seen as the basis for further trade agreements. An improved logistical and financial landscape that Panama offers can provide benefits not only to Mercosur but to the other two continents that trade with it—Europe and Asia.

The Regional Scope and Public Support in Panama

A recent study by the University of Panama confirms that most of the public is in favor of the country’s Mercosur membership, not just on the specific case of Mercosur, but on the overall economic integration agenda, and generally supports development policies focused on dialogue and the exchange of national and international trade.

A 70% approval for international integration, seen as an inherent Panamanian interest, consolidates itself as a strategic foreign policy that could be extended to many more countries. A development agenda with these approvals will have the institutional and political support to project a vision of national growth in time.

Integration is not only trade but the future of diplomacy. The next step for Panama with Mercosur would be to develop a diplomatic agenda focused on multilateralism, coordination, or just being able to act as a facilitator between two or more economic, social, cultural, or digital worlds.

Panama Joins Mercosur for Latin America’s Nearshoring

One of the great and valuable lessons of the last decade has been the great global value of resilience. With the new orders in trade and geopolitics, including de-globalization and self-sufficiency, coordination and convergence in Latin America represent a valuable asset and should represent a strategic consensus in the coming years.

Panama joining Mercosur, as well as  ALADI as a trading bloc creates opportunities and an international presence. However, it is necessary for the Central American nation to connect more extensively in many more sectors.

The World We Are Gearing Up For

We cannot deny the scale and velocity of the fourth industrial revolution. We cannot avoid the new globalizations, the new micro-globalizations that are beginning to form at the regional level and that are complemented by the development of e-commerce. Because digitization is a geopolitical and business issue, and integration is a driver in trade, production, logistics, transport, and commerce.

The different approaches taken to open economies, production chains, e-commerce, energy, and digital data transmission are all experiences of new geoeconomics that are consolidating and that will be at the center of Mercosur, or its main members, and Panama in the coming years.

Mercosur as a Regional Headquarters

Panama is already advancing as a crossroads and a trade hub, not only geographically but also as a point of economic interchange or coordination. If the central image of globalization, in the midst of de-globalization, is the platform or the headquarters in which the value is placed, then Mercosur and other regional initiatives, such as ALADI, represent an opportunity that we must manage and develop.

Mercosur with Panama as an associate member and its proposed set of principles and agreements can be used to promote greater trade facilitation and complementation in the nearshoring scheme that Mercosur economies are working on. A nearshoring scheme that is not only a geopolitical and business issue, but one that is also in demand among Latin Americans, where the concept of closer neighbors and different markets opens up new opportunities.

Mercosur is Ready for the New World and It’s Digital

Digital trade is one of the great beneficiaries of the Mercosur-Panama agreement. In Mercosur, or its prominent members, we must have a coordinated strategy to achieve new business arrangements in the exchange of commerce.

As physical, maritime, road, and air trade, logistics, and traffic are advancing, cross-border electronic-commerce platforms or infrastructure, regulations, logistics coordination, standards, taxation, electronic certification, digital identities, fast payments, and many other experiences and technologies, in which digitization is increasingly adding value in a changing international environment, a productive sector becomes a geopolitical driver in production and trade.

Panama Joins Mercosur, Mercosur, and the Region Benefit

Mercosur could play a much more strategic role in mediating Latin American integration. And what for? For that difference. As many geopolitical and business experts know, and as Panamanian entrepreneurs know, Panama joining Mercosur and Mercosur can and must play a strategic role in the present and the future as a virtual, geopolitical, and business framework and be a bridge in the business world, not only geographically between Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

In short, when Panama joins Mercosur as a full member, it will begin a process that is already underway. It is necessary to connect more closely, more extensively, and more electronically, across many more sectors.

Latin America has come a long way, and nowhere is this more evident than in the emergence of Latin American companies on Wall Street. From e-commerce and fintech giants to mining and energy stalwarts, these companies represent the diversity of the region and its strategic importance in the world. In this post, we will look at the 10 most valuable Latin American companies on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), including the sectors they represent, the drivers of their growth, and the global stage they operate on. With increasing interest in the region, these companies showcase the potential and resilience of Latin America.

Diverse Industry Mix

Latin America’s most valuable companies on Wall Street represent a healthy mix of old and new. According to Bloomberg data, the industry breakdown of the top 10 companies looks like this:

• Consumer & Retail: 3 companies
• Financial Services: 2 companies
• Mining: 2 companies
• Technology: 1 company
• Energy: 1 company
• Telecommunications: 1 company

This mix showcases the impact of both legacy and tech-driven companies in the region.

1. MercadoLibre (MELI) The king of e-commerce

$121.8 billion

Argentinian MercadoLibre is the leading Latin American company on Wall Street. Nicknamed “The Amazon of Latin America,” MercadoLibre is the largest online commerce and fintech company in the region. Its strength is twofold: e-commerce and fintech. The company’s fintech arm, Mercado Pago, has created a robust financial infrastructure and a range of services, including digital wallets and consumer loans. Its logistics arm, Mercado Envios, has been instrumental in overcoming delivery challenges in the region and gives it a unique advantage. Its investment in building its own logistics and payment rails has allowed the company to control the entire customer experience and earn loyalty in the long run.

2. Petrobras (PBR) Energy behemoth from Brazil

~$95 billion

The largest oil company in Brazil, Petrobras, has long been one of the anchors of the Latin American energy industry. Leveraging expertise in deepwater drilling and the ability to operate in pre-salt oil fields, Petrobras has greatly benefited from higher crude prices and has been operationally efficient. Although the company has a checkered history in terms of governance, it has since undertaken a series of actions to streamline its operations and become more transparent. Petrobras is still one of the most profitable oil companies in the world and a go-to stock for energy-focused investors.

3. Itaú Unibanco (ITUB) digital transformation in banking

~$60 billion

The largest private bank in Brazil, Itaú Unibanco, is a pioneer in the transformation of the financial sector in Latin America. A leader in profitability, the bank has also been at the forefront of digital transformation in banking in the region. According to financial analyst Paula Chavs, the bank is blending traditional banking with digital platforms effectively. Its mobile apps and AI-powered customer service have increased customer engagement and decreased operational costs. As one of the trusted names in Brazil and an expanding presence in other Latin American countries, Itaú is among the most promising Latin American companies on Wall Street for long-term investors.

4. Vale S.A. (VALE) Mining powerhouse with global reach

~$55 billion

Based in Brazil, Vale is one of the world’s leading producers of iron ore and nickel, key materials for the production of steel and batteries for electric vehicles. With a focus on sustainability and diversifying its supply chains, the company is investing in environmentally friendly mining practices and expanding its presence in the renewable energy space. Although Vale has faced challenges with regulations and environment-related incidents, it is one of the pillars of the global mining industry.

5. Walmart de México y Centroamérica (WMMVY) resilient retailer

~$53 billion

A powerhouse in Mexico and Central America, Walmart de México y Centroamérica, or Walmex, dominates the retail landscape in the region. With its business model centered on high volume and low cost, Walmex’s widespread footprint has served the urban and rural populations of the region. According to financial analyst Paula Chavs, Walmex has also focused on its digital transformation. The company has invested in omnichannel retail, Bodega Aurrera app-based shopping, and online delivery services which helped it weather the storm and stay afloat in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Walmex demonstrates how Latin American companies on Wall Street can merge global strategies with local execution to succeed.

6. América Móvil (AMX) telecommunications powerhouse

~$50 billion

Owned by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, América Móvil is the largest telecommunications company in Latin America. It operates in more than 15 countries across the region and provides services including mobile, landline, broadband, and pay-TV. The company has also made strides in expanding its 5G infrastructure. With its cash flow and market dominance, América Móvil is a steady performer on Wall Street.

7. Grupo México (GMBXF) copper giant

~$47 billion

One of the largest copper producers in the world, Grupo México operates mines in Mexico, Peru, and the US. As demand for copper grows amid the global electrification and transition to renewables, Grupo México stands to benefit greatly. With strong vertical integration, from mining to transport via its railroads, the company is efficient and scalable. Despite the cyclicality of commodity prices, its long-term fundamentals are solid.

8. Nubank (NU) fintech disruptor

~$42 billion

Founded in Brazil and now headquartered in São Paulo, Nubank has been a disruptor in the Latin American banking sector with its digital-first approach. One of the largest independent digital banks in the world, Nubank serves over 80 million customers in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. The bank offers a range of financial products, including credit cards, savings accounts, insurance, and investments, all of which are accessible via its mobile app. With low fees, an easy-to-use interface, and a customer-centric model, Nubank stands out among Latin American companies on Wall Stree

9. Bradesco (BBD) banking with a long history and technology

~$40 billion

Banco Bradesco, another Brazilian powerhouse, combines its extensive branch network with its growing digital service platform. The bank serves both retail and corporate customers, offering credit, insurance, and investment services. As the fintech upstarts like Nubank compete for customers, Bradesco has invested in AI, digital banking, and customer experience. One of the most profitable and stable banks in the region, Bradesco is a stable bet for long-term investors.

10. FEMSA (FMX) — beverage and retail conglomerate

~$39 billion

Fomento Económico Mexicano, or FEMSA, is a conglomerate with interests in Coca-Cola bottling, convenience store chains such as OXXO, and logistics and packaging services. With an integrated business model, a regional presence, and long-term partnerships with global brands such as Coca-Cola, FEMSA is one of the most versatile Latin American companies on Wall Street. With investments in fintech and digital payment platforms, it’s also positioned for the future.

The bigger picture: Latin America’s economic maturity

These 10 Latin American companies on Wall Street showcase the extent to which Latin American companies are no longer mere resource exporters but global players. With fintech, e-commerce, and telecommunications leading the way, the region is actively adopting innovation, sustainability, and digitization. With their listings on the NYSE, these companies not only represent investor confidence but also the potential to raise capital that can be reinvested in the region. As the political and economic reforms take root in countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, the visibility and performance of these companies is likely to rise.

Conclusion

Latin American companies on Wall Street are no longer just symbolic. They represent a true growth of Latin America in the global economy. Whether it’s innovative fintech, sustainable mining, or retail innovation, these companies are shaping Latin America’s role in the global economy. As investors look for diversification and access to new markets, these top firms offer a window into a region of opportunity, resilience, and dynamism.