Bloomberg Talks Mercado Libre CFO Talks Investments & Tariffs
Aug 5, 2025
Martin De Los Santos, CFO of Mercado Libre and former strategist at Intuit, discusses the company's bold investments in e-commerce and fintech despite rising marketing costs. He emphasizes that while tariffs in Brazil won't directly impact business, the focus remains on long-term growth over short-term profits. With a stunning 34% revenue increase, he highlights innovative strategies for financial inclusion and the use of AI in credit management, showcasing Mercado Libre's dynamic approach to navigating Latin America's evolving digital landscape.
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Strong Growth and User Expansion
- Mercado Libre grew revenue by 34% year-on-year with record operating income of $825 million.
- User base expanded significantly in commerce and fintech sectors across Latin America.
Lower Shipping Thresholds Boost Growth
- Lowering free shipping thresholds can reduce friction and increase online purchase volume.
- Short-term profit pressures are outweighed by long-term growth benefits of investing in user experience.
Tariffs' Limited Current Impact
- Tariffs on Brazil have not yet affected Mercado Libre's consumer demand or credit book health.
- The company continues strong growth despite global tariff debates affecting the region.