Latin America and the Caribbean offer great opportunities for businesses that are looking to expand their export operations. Partnering with ConnectAmericas to facilitate those efforts is a wise choice. We are the premier platform for businesses seeking to expand imports from and exports to Latin America and the Caribbean by providing market opportunities, a vast learning center, and business connections.
We are the largest social business network dedicated to promoting international trade in the region. As the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), ConnectAmericas has partnerships with major global companies that allow us to better serve our members by giving them access to a one-stop shop for businesses that are seeking international markets, as well as those that are already operating in international markets.
ConnectAmericas offers tools, resources, and networking opportunities to help businesses export to Latin America and the Caribbean.
Understanding the Latin American and Caribbean Export Landscape in 2025
Latin America and Caribbean regions show great potential for businesses that are looking to enter these markets. Experts project regional goods exports to grow by 4% in 2025. Export growth for the Caribbean is projected to be 23%. This is remarkable when compared to South America’s projected growth at just 5% and even less for Mexico and Central America.
This region is becoming increasingly important to global value chains. Economic growth is being driven by both traditional sectors like agriculture and newer areas such as renewable energy and digital services. Argentina and Chile are steadily growing, while Mexico and Brazil seem to have plateaued for the moment. However, the current global climate for exports is good, and forecasts for Latin America and the Caribbean show a great deal of promise for companies entering those markets.
Key Export Sectors with High Growth Potential
Identifying the most promising export sectors helps businesses focus their export strategies effectively. ECLAC’s annual report,Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean, 2024, was published on May 13, 2025, and offers great insight. The current sectors showing the most growth and potential include:
- Agricultural exports are projected to experience an 11% growth. Latin America is the world's leading net food exporter, with record exports of $349 billion
- Renewable energy technologies and services: 65% of energy in Latin America comes from renewable sources. This is twice the global average.
- Technology and digital services: This sector is booming worldwide, but Latin America and the Caribbean are seeing a surge in expansion with a 27% growth in regional services exports, particularly in modern digitally provided services
Agricultural and Food Products: Feeding the World
Latin America and the Caribbean offer agricultural export opportunities across diverse regional markets. Several countries within the region have risen to the top to position themselves as powerhouses in this sector
Brazil
- Coffee
- Meat
- Cotton
- Pork
- Specialty products (textiles, tobacco, and juices)
Argentina
- Soybeans
- Wheat
- Beef
- Barley
- Corn
- Soy meal
- Rice
Colombia
- Coffee
- Bananas
- Palm oil
- Avocados
- Flowers
- Sugarcane
- Cocoa
Brazil is venturing into value-added processing for export products like branded poultry and corn ethanol. This also supports the country’s investments in low-carbon fuels, which could open even more opportunities.
Argentina is seemingly defying the country’s current economic struggles, which include climate risks and inflation. Its trade-friendly policies and economic reforms— many of which align with recommendations from the International Monetary Fund— are proving successful in increasing investor confidence and boosting its export potential through foreign direct investment.
Colombia is strengthening its own foundation by shifting its focus to market diversification. It also practices climate-resilient agriculture.
TheCARICOM “25 by 2025” Food Security Initiative seeks to reduce the region’s food import bill ($6 billion) by 25%. It has been extended to 2030 and shows great promise for boosting export opportunities throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Exporters can get involved in several ways. They can partner with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization and prioritize regional and local sourcing of products like animal feed, coconut products, poultry, cassava, and vegetables. Investing in value-added processing and exploring regional distribution networks can also present valuable export opportunities.
Renewable Energy: Powering the Green Transition
There was a time when clean energy technologies were solely climate solutions. That tide is changing, though, and these technologies are making a tremendous impact on global trade by opening up significant export opportunities.
The global market for solar equipment, wind technology, battery storage, and energy management systems is projected to triple, hitting $2 trillion by 2035, up from $700 billion in 2023. Many Latin American countries are now committing to80% renewable electricity generation by 2030 as part of a broader energy transition aimed at reducing carbon emissions and strengthening energy independence.
Digital Services and Technology: The New Export Frontier
The explosive growth of digital services over the last two decades has made it the fastest-growing export category with minimal trade barriers to entry. Cloud computing, fintech solutions, digital consulting, software development, design, IT services, and other digitally delivered services have grown exponentially, surpassing goods as well as traditional services exports.
While digital services and technology exports are booming globally, several Latin American and Caribbean countries are emerging as top-tier players. These sectors present significant opportunities for businesses looking to enter fast-growing, innovation-driven markets.
Mexico
- Computers
- Robotics
- Electrical machinery and equipment
- Industrial machinery
- Automation
- Sensors
Brazil
- Computers
- Vehicles and electronics
- Electrical equipment
- Machinery
Colombia
- Cloud services
- IT hardware
- Software
Brazil is also seeing an uptick in other IT sectors. As Latin America’s largest IT market, it is seeing growth in AI, SaaS, cybersecurity, and fintech.
Digital services can complement physical exports by providing support like digital marketing, product design, and even customer service. AI has proven to be a powerhouse in these areas by supporting standardized business operations. This frees up human associates to handle complex business issues with more efficiency, accuracy, and shorter timeframes.
Country-Specific Export Opportunities
Latin America and the Caribbean emerging markets offer abundant opportunities. Leveraging the strengths of each region can help businesses target their export efforts effectively. Several Caribbean nations are experiencing high growth rates that also present a number of opportunities for businesses to enter these markets.
There are a number of trade agreements that facilitate exports to various countries. European Union agreements, as well as US-led agreements, help to ensure fair treatment, streamline customs, and reduce tariffs, while global frameworks like the World Trade Organization and Bilateral Investment Treaties offer mechanisms for dispute resolution and exporter investment protection.
Brazil: South America's Largest Market
This regional leader is strong in several areas: digital services (cloud computing and financial technology), clean energy technology (solar power and biofuels), and agricultural commodities (sugar, beef, and soybeans). Brazil’s export strength is further bolstered by its abundance of natural resources, which play a critical role in supporting key industries and attracting global trade interest. Several emerging trends show a growing demand for specialized services, SaaS solutions, machinery, cybersecurity, and AI.
Mexico: Gateway to North America
The country’s geographical position opens easy access to North America. Leading opportunities in the market include high-value agriculture (berries and avocados), medical devices, electronics, and auto parts. Emerging trends are expanding the market to include digital manufacturing tools, robotics, and automation.
The modernized EU-Mexico agreement has proven to be a game changer by creating new opportunities for certain exporters. It lowers or eliminates tariffs on certain products and offers stronger protection in the areas of anti-corruption, labor rights, and intellectual property.
Colombia: Strategic Hub for Regional Trade
A rapidly growing ICT market boosts this country’s export potential. Opportunities are focused on digital services with an emphasis on education technology and financial technology, as well as agricultural products like palm oil, bananas, flowers, coffee, and agricultural equipment. Emerging trends open opportunities in diverse areas like green infrastructure projects, specialized services, cloud services, and nearshoring.
Colombia’s geographic position gives it a distinct advantage with access to both Pacific and Atlantic shipping routes.
Colombia has given exporters preferential access to more than 60 countries via its network of 17 free trade agreements. These countries include Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and reduce or eliminate tariffs, standardize the trade environment to increase stability and predictability, and simplify customs processes.
Caribbean Nations: Emerging Opportunities
Caribbean markets are often overlooked for their export potential. However, it is quickly becoming an export growth leader in Latin America with a 23% increase projected for 2025. This is due to agricultural expansion throughout the region and the oil boom in several Caribbean countries.
For instance, Guyana’s oil and gas production is expected to surpass 1 million barrels a day by the year 2027. Its rich agricultural efforts are opening doors for exporters of not just seeds and other ag products, but also digital agri-tech and machinery.
Suriname is quickly growing into an impressive energy exporter with a strong potential for gas-to-power solutions and LNG, as well as carbon credit markets. Its investments in energy tech, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity also present export opportunities
ConnectAmericas can help businesses overcome logistical challenges in Caribbean trade with our impressive business opportunity database and knowledge center.
Navigating Market Entry: Key Strategies for Success
Latin America and Caribbean markets offer tremendous opportunities and potential for businesses looking to expand their export efforts. Successful entry relies on heavy research, flexibility, and localization.
ConnectAmericas has a vast resource library to help export companies succeed in markets around the globe. OurIntegra platform is a comprehensive resource for data analysis of specific LAC markets.
Businesses can leverage trade agreements and free trade zones effectively by first understanding the trade agreements landscape. There are several regional and bilateral trade agreements throughout Latin America. Qualify for preferential tariffs by utilizing the rules of origin.
Utilizing free trade zones features minimal taxes and customs duties. Combining these benefits with trade agreements can prove beneficial, especially for businesses just entering the Latin American market. It’s also important to consider political factors that may affect stability, trade policies, and regulatory frameworks across different countries in the region.
Our"Doing Business in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)" is a comprehensive training course that gets businesses started off on the right foot, but is also a good refresher for those companies that have already entered the markets.
Understanding Cultural and Business Practices
The Latin American and Caribbean regional culture is strongly focused on relationships in business as well as personal life. Successfully navigating the business culture requires an understanding of how relationships drive deals.
Keep the relationship as a priority, and the business will follow. Make personal connections with in-person meetings. Get to know the person, their family, and their community. This is how you build trust. Ideally, schedule face-to-face meetings and understand that these things can’t be rushed. It will likely take some time and several meetings before you can get your foot in the door. Flexibility is key.
Learn about the culture. From language and communication to social etiquette, culture is a driving force. Also, understand that culture varies from country to country, or even from city to city. Do your homework, especially since Latin American countries each have unique business customs and expectations.
Overcoming Logistical and Regulatory Challenges
Latin America and the Caribbean markets do have some challenges. Fortunately, the more common barriers to export success are fairly easily overcome.
Infrastructure issues that delay shipments and drive up costs can be remedied by hiring third-party logistics providers that have target specialties like regional transport. Utilizing free trade zones can also help. Development projects supported by institutions like the World Bank are also helping to improve transport and trade infrastructure throughout the region.
Bureaucracy and complex customs processes can mean delays and increased costs. Preclearance programs and digital customs platforms can help, as well as working with local customs brokers.
Poor market intelligence can be solved by reaching out to export promotion agencies and using market research tools or digital trade platforms.
Regulatory compliance issues can quickly turn into a legal and financial nightmare. ConnectAmericas has a suite of tools that can simplify regulatory compliance and keep you on the right track.
How ConnectAmericas Facilitates Export Success
ConnectAmericas helps businesses overcome export challenges and succeed in regional markets by providing a number of invaluable tools and resources. Our Connect feature helps businesses find customers, suppliers, and investors in most regions and markets. Our Learn resources include webinars, MOOCs, and the comprehensive "Doing Business in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)" course.
Th eConnectAmericas AI-Powered Chat is also a useful tool to find suppliers, buyers, business partners, as well as clients in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Your Path to Latin American and Caribbean Export Success
Is your business ready to explore export opportunities? We’re here to help!
Whether you are new to export, are expanding into new markets, or have years of experience in export, we have tools that you can use to benefit and grow your business. ConnectAmericas supports expansion with our vast database of business opportunities and massive learning center.
Don’t get left behind. You can gain a substantial competitive advantage by acting now as regional growth accelerates.
Register for a ConnectAmericas membership and start exploring global opportunities today.
Expand Your Business Horizons Today
Completing the comprehensive "Doing Business in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)" course gives you a good idea of what the ConnectAmericas platform offers. When you complete your registration, you will have access to opportunities that will transform your business.
The course's comprehensive modules cover market landscape understanding, product adaptation strategies, and help your business establish a competitive advantage. It is specifically designed for businesses that are ready to expand into LAC markets and provides practical, industry-driven training.
To begin enjoying all the benefits we offer, simply create afree ConnectAmericas account that will allow you to access both the course and additional export opportunities.
FAQs
What is ConnectAmericas, and how does it help businesses export to Latin America and the Caribbean?
ConnectAmericas is a social business network, the first of its kind in Latin America and the Caribbean. It was created to aid companies that seek to expand into international markets by offering a large learning center, a huge database connecting businesses with investors, suppliers, and buyers, as well as trade-related resources. It is a digital platform that is free to join.
Which sectors offer the best export opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2025?
Agriculture (agri-food and agro-processing), green tech, clean energy, digital services, technology, construction materials, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals.
How can I find potential buyers for my products in Latin American markets?
Access ConnectAmericas' massive database to find trade opportunities, including buyers, investors, suppliers, and more.
What free trade agreements exist that can benefit exporters to Latin America and the Caribbean?
There are more than 30 trade agreements across the region. ConnectAmericas can help you find the agreements that are specifically related to your business and market.
How can I learn more about doing business in Latin America and the Caribbean?
Join ConnectAmericas and let us show you the world.
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