Mercado Libre, the leading e-commerce platform in Latin America, has announced a US$550 million investment to strengthen its presence in Chile this year.
This significant investment reflects the company’s commitment to growth in the country. It focuses on boosting logistics infrastructure, driving technological innovation, and expanding its financial services—particularly through its payment platform, Mercado Pago. In addition to improving its operations, the investment is expected to impact the Chilean labor market positively. Mercado Libre in Chile strategically leverages this capital to enhance its role as a key player in the local digital economy.
The announcement was made at an event attended by the President of the Republic, Gabriel Boric, who highlighted the importance of investment for Chile’s economic growth and the creation of new formal jobs. According to the company, the capital injection will primarily be directed toward developing new logistics capabilities, optimizing technological platforms, and launching marketing campaigns. The company also emphasized that one of its main priorities is to continue attracting and developing local talent to strengthen its team and foster innovation.
Commitment to Employment and Local Talent
One of the most significant implications of this investment will be the creation of more than 900 new formal jobs, adding to the over 2,600 employees Mercado Libre in Chile already has. These new jobs will span key areas of the company, including logistics, fintech, technology, marketing, product development, finance, and administration. With this expansion, the company expects to surpass 3,500 employees in the country, representing substantial growth in its local workforce.
According to Mercado Libre, this job creation is part of its long-term strategy to consolidate its business model and ensure its operations in Chile become increasingly efficient and competitive. In a dynamic market like e-commerce and financial services, the company understands that having a highly skilled and motivated team is essential to maintaining its regional leadership.
Boosting Technological Innovation and Logistics Infrastructure
A significant portion of the investment will also be allocated to improving the company’s logistics capabilities—an essential component of its e-commerce business. Logistics infrastructure is one of the fundamental pillars of Mercado Libre in Chile, as it ensures the efficient and timely delivery of products to consumers. With this increase in investment, the company plans to expand and optimize its network of distribution centers and strengthen its storage and transportation capacities. This also includes implementing new technologies in its logistics processes, reducing delivery times, and enhancing the customer experience.
Mercado Libre in Chile has also underscored the importance of technological innovation in its e-commerce platform and digital payments system, Mercado Pago. The company has identified Chile as a key market for developing new technological solutions, especially in the payments space, where Mercado Pago has gained notable traction. The growth of digital payments in Chile and across the region is one of the main drivers of Mercado Libre’s expansion, and the company has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening this area. The digital payment platform will continue to evolve to offer users a safer, faster, and more convenient experience.
The relationship between Mercado Libre in Chile and the Chilean government appears stronger than ever. During his speech at the event, President Gabriel Boric emphasized the importance of this investment for the company and the country’s economic development. According to the President, the arrival of these resources is a sign that Chile can continue to grow and attract more foreign investment in key areas such as technology and e-commerce. He also highlighted the importance of creating new formal jobs, which reduces unemployment and strengthens the middle class.
The President also noted that this type of investment aligns with the Chilean government’s goals of promoting technological development, innovation, and financial inclusion. In particular, Boric praised the growth of Mercado Pago and its contribution to providing millions of Chileans with access to financial services that would otherwise be inaccessible to many people, especially in rural areas or among segments of the population without access to traditional banking services.
Challenges and Opportunities in E-Commerce in Chile
Chile has traditionally been one of the most advanced countries in Latin America regarding e-commerce adoption. The country has experienced rapid growth in this sector in recent years, primarily driven by the pandemic, accelerating digitalization across all industries. However, despite this progress, there are still challenges that e-commerce companies must overcome, such as intense competition, high logistics costs, and the constant need for innovation to meet consumer expectations.
Mercado Libre in Chile, the regional e-commerce leader, is well positioned to seize this environment’s opportunities, though it is not immune to challenges. Expanding its infrastructure and strengthening its workforce are key steps in remaining competitive and leading the sector. The announced investment indicates that the company is committed to staying at the forefront in an increasingly dynamic and competitive market.
The US$550 million investment announced by Mercado Libre for 2025 reflects the company’s commitment to growth and strengthening its operations in Chile. This capital injection will benefit the company and positively impact employment, technological innovation, and the development of e-commerce in the country. By creating over 900 new formal jobs and continuing to invest in its logistics infrastructure and payment platform, Mercado Libre in Chile reaffirms its regional leadership and contributes to Chile’s economic growth.
As e-commerce continues to evolve and digitalization accelerates, companies like Mercado Libre will play a fundamental role in transforming the digital economy in Latin America. With the implementation of these new investments and the strengthening of its presence in the Chilean market, Mercado Libre is preparing to continue growing and expanding its operations while continuing to innovate to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers.