MercadoLibre has called for stricter regulations on Asian ecommerce platforms operating in Latin America, citing concerns over fair competition and local job security.

The region’s largest ecommerce company faces increasing competition from Chinese firms like Temu and Shein, whose presence has grown rapidly.

Juan Martin de la Serna, head of MercadoLibre’s Argentina operations, said a level regulatory playing field is important for all competitors and warned that an uneven one could harm small and medium-sized local businesses.

Several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay, have tightened tax and import rules on low-cost goods from China this year.

According to Sensor Tower, Temu’s monthly active users in Latin America rose 143% year-on-year to 105 million in the first half of 2025.

MercadoLibre is on track to end 2025 with more than 112,000 employees and reported 27 consecutive quarters of annual growth above 30%.

De la Serna also noted that economic volatility in Argentina has limited the company’s local expansion.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg