The head of [Argentina’s retail company] MercadoLibre Inc.’s business in Argentina called for tougher regulations on fast-growing Chinese e-commerce platforms in Latin America, warning that an uneven playing field threatens local businesses and jobs.
“It’s important to have a good regulatory framework that’s equal for everyone competing,” Juan Martin de la Serna said at the ABECEB conference Tuesday in Buenos Aires, when asked about the growing presence of platforms like Temu and Shein in the region. “Regulations are very important, just as much in finance as in commerce.”
It’s some of the clearest criticism yet from MercadoLibre executives regarding the rapid growth of Temu, Shein and other Asian e-commerce rivals in the region. Latin American governments are also taking notice. Mexico, Chile and Uruguay have all moved this year to tighten tax and import rules on low-cost goods from China to protect domestic retailers.
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