Stephanie Chevalier
E-commerce research and editorial expert
E-commerce in Mexico – statistics & facts
From the pristine beaches of the Riviera Maya to the rugged mountains of the Sierra Madre, e-commerce has transformed the way Mexicans shop and created new opportunities for business development across the country. In 2024, the Mexican e-commerce market had approximately 74 million users and generated around 38 billion U.S. dollars. Forecasts suggest these figures will nearly double within the next five years. With a market share exceeding 26 percent in the region, Mexico ranks second in online retail revenues in Latin America, closely competing with Brazil for the top spot.
However, the competition has intensified with the emergence of two Chinese contenders, Temu and SHEIN. In 2023, these fast-fashion leaders have positioned themselves as the most downloaded shopping apps among Mexicans, amassing over 37 million and 27 million downloads, respectively, on the App Store and Google Play Store.
While e-commerce now encompasses a wide range of product categories, consumers primarily allocate their online spending to personal and household goods. When it comes to preferred payment methods, around a third of Mexicans prefer credit cards, while over one-quarter opt for e-wallets.
A market dominated by international players
Amazon and Mercado Libre, both of foreign origin, stand as the leading online retailers in Mexico. The two industry behemoths have recently intensified their presence in the North American nation. In 2024, Mercado Libre made a landmark investment of 2.45 billion U.S. dollars to enhance its logistics capabilities, while Jeff Bezos' Amazon has steadily augmented its operational footprint across the country in recent years. Since entering the Mexican market in 2015, Amazon has expanded its delivery services to encompass all 32 states, offering next-day delivery in 80 cities.However, the competition has intensified with the emergence of two Chinese contenders, Temu and SHEIN. In 2023, these fast-fashion leaders have positioned themselves as the most downloaded shopping apps among Mexicans, amassing over 37 million and 27 million downloads, respectively, on the App Store and Google Play Store.
How do Mexicans buy online?
Online shopping and payments have surged in popularity in Mexico over the years. Nearly four out of ten internet users who engage in online purchases do so at least once a month. What's fueling this trend? Convenience emerges as the key driver, with more than half of surveyed digital buyers highlighting the ease of having their orders delivered, closely followed by the time-saving factor.While e-commerce now encompasses a wide range of product categories, consumers primarily allocate their online spending to personal and household goods. When it comes to preferred payment methods, around a third of Mexicans prefer credit cards, while over one-quarter opt for e-wallets.
The best may still lie ahead
The remarkable growth of the sector in Mexico paints a vivid picture of its importance within the region, boasting a substantial user base and impressive revenue figures. With industry giants like Amazon and Mercado Libre dominating the scene alongside emerging Chinese contenders, competition is fierce, driving innovation and attracting significant investments. As Mexican consumers increasingly turn to online shopping for its convenience and accessibility, the stage is set for continued evolution and expansion in one of Latin America's most dynamic e-commerce markets.
