Best-Selling Products in Latin America: Opportunities for 2025​

Latin America continues to be a dynamic region for international trade, offering diverse opportunities for investors and multinational companies. As of 2025, the region has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, with significant growth in various sectors. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the best-selling products in Latin America, highlighting key trends, market drivers, and strategic insights for stakeholders.

Agricultural Exports: A Pillar of Economic Growth

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Latin America's export economy. In 2024, the region's agricultural exports experienced an impressive 11% increase in value, driven by a 5% expansion in volume. Key commodities such as soybeans, corn, and wheat from countries like Brazil and Argentina have seen heightened demand, particularly from major trading partners, including China, the United States, and the European Union.

According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the value of agricultural exports grew by 11% in 2024, while export volume increased by 5%, demonstrating both a rise in global demand and higher international prices for key commodities.

Key Export Products and Country Leaders

• Brazil: The world’s largest exporter of soybeans and a top global supplier of sugar, coffee, and meat. In 2024, Brazil's soybean exports reached 93 million metric tons, generating over USD 49 billion, mainly to China and the EU.

• Argentina: Maintains strong export positions in soybean meal, corn, and wheat. Corn exports in 2024 totaled approximately 38 million metric tons, with primary markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

• Mexico: Specializes in high-value fruits and vegetables. Avocado exports alone generated over USD 3.5 billion, with the U.S. receiving more than 80% of Mexico’s total shipments.

• Chile: A global leader in fruit exports, especially grapes, apples, blueberries, and cherries. In 2024, fresh fruit exports reached USD 6.7 billion, with Asia becoming an increasingly dominant buyer, particularly China.

Global Context and Strategic Relevance

Agricultural exports not only bolster national economies but also play a key role in food security, supply chain stability, and sustainable trade development. Latin America’s natural endowments — favorable climates, extensive arable land, and biodiversity — make it uniquely positioned to meet the rising demand for food products, especially in Asia-Pacific and Africa.

Moreover, many countries in the region have signed and maintained preferential trade agreements such as Mercosur-EU, USMCA, and Pacific Alliance, improving access to global markets.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite this strong performance, the sector faces challenges such as:

• Climate change impacts (droughts, floods)

• Supply chain disruptions (especially in port logistics)

• Need for sustainable farming and environmental compliance (notably in EU markets)

However, new technologies like precision agriculture, AI-based crop monitoring, and regenerative farming are increasingly being adopted to improve yield quality, reduce environmental impact, and meet international certification standards.

Mineral Resources and Energy in Latin America

Latin America's abundant mineral and energy resources play a crucial role in global supply chains. For example, in 2023, mineral fuels, including oil and gas, generated approximately $150 billion in exports, with Venezuela and Brazil being the largest contributors. Additionally, the region exported $100 billion worth of minerals and precious metals, highlighting its importance in the global mining sector.

Manufactured Goods: Diversification and Growth​

Latin America’s manufacturing sector has undergone a strategic transformation over the past decade, moving beyond traditional low-cost assembly toward more diversified and higher-value exports. Automobiles, particularly from Brazil and Mexico, have been significant contributors, with exports valued at $80 billion in 2023. The Chevrolet Onix, for instance, has maintained strong sales across the region, reflecting the competitiveness of locally manufactured vehicles.

According to ECLAC's 2024 annual report, the region saw a 3% year-over-year increase in manufactured goods exports, largely propelled by intraregional trade and renewed foreign direct investment (FDI) in industrial hubs.​

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Automotive Sector: A Regional Powerhouse

• Mexico is the top exporter of vehicles in Latin America and the seventh-largest globally, with automotive exports reaching USD 95 billion in 2023–2024. Over 80% of these exports go to the United States under the USMCA agreement, leveraging reduced tariffs and efficient supply chains.

• Brazil, the largest car market in South America, exported over 470,000 vehicles in 2024, mostly to Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. The country is also a major supplier of auto parts and heavy machinery.

Electronics and High-Tech Equipment

Costa Rica and Mexico have become major exporters of electronics, semiconductors, and medical devices. Costa Rica, for example, exported USD 7.6 billion in medical instruments in 2024, primarily to the U.S. and Europe, according to the World Bank and national trade data.

Mexico's electronics industry, concentrated in the Bajío and northern regions, includes global players such as Foxconn, Samsung, and LG, positioning the country as a tech manufacturing hub in the Western Hemisphere.

Pharmaceuticals and Health Products

The pharmaceutical industry is growing rapidly in Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico, driven by both domestic demand and regional exports. According to IQVIA, pharmaceutical exports in Latin America surpassed USD 10 billion in 2024, particularly in generics and biosimilars.

Diversification Through Trade Agreements and Nearshoring

The surge in manufactured exports is closely linked to:

• Trade agreements such as USMCA, Mercosur, and the Pacific Alliance

• Nearshoring trends, especially from North American firms seeking to relocate supply chains closer to the U.S. and reduce exposure to Asian market disruptions

Industrial park investments and fiscal incentives are offered by Latin American governments to attract foreign manufacturers.

Latin America's diverse and dynamic market landscape presents numerous opportunities for investors and multinational companies. As the demand for a variety of products, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and consumer goods, continues to rise, Latin America emerges as a promising frontier for international trade and investment.

Investment Outlook: A Region Full of Opportunity

As global supply chains continue to shift and trade alliances evolve, Latin America stands at a strategic crossroads. Its abundant natural resources, expanding industrial base, and commitment to trade diversification present compelling opportunities for forward-thinking investors. From agribusiness to advanced manufacturing, the region offers access to high-growth markets, cost-effective production, and a young, skilled workforce. For multinational companies and high-net-worth individuals seeking to expand or diversify their portfolios, Latin America is not just a source of exports—it’s a platform for long-term, sustainable investment.

As a company managing over 900 employees in 30+ countries,  H&CO understands the challenges of global expansion. Trust our firsthand experience to guide your business every step of the way.