• A region of extremes, the region is a top exporter of agricultural goods and a global automobile producer, but government regulations, political instability, economic upheavals and poor infrastructure seem to constantly hold this region back from growth.
• The widening of the Panama Canal has brought opportunities and economic benefits, not only to Panama, but also to the countries surrounding it.
• Brazil and Mexico are the largest countries in the region. Combined, these two countries comprise almost 60% of Latin America’s GDP.
• Mexico’s automotive industry has benefitted from its proximity to the US, while Brazil’s automobile production has been hit with economic troubles.
• The high tech manufacturing sector demonstrates the impact troubling government regulations and taxes can have on an industry.
• Cold chain opportunities are increasing due to the importance of agricultural exports. In addition, pharmaceuticals handling and clinical trials are expanding in the region.
• Ti estimates that domestic express expanded 15% between 2012 and 2013, with Brazil the largest market, followed by Mexico.
• International LSPs are well represented in Latin America, providing both domestic and international services. However, one of the greatest strengths domestic LSPs have is their knowledge of how domestic markets actually work and the intricacies surrounding government regulations and taxes.
• Examining the capacity and capabilities of major international LSPs operating in Latin America revealed business growth strategies in the region to be, in general, variations on a standard theme.

David Buckby

Alex Le Roy

As a graduate in International Relations, Alex brings a variety of knowledge and interest to his role as an Analyst at Ti. Alex’s drive to constantly provide quality analysis for the logistics industry has led him to increase his area of responsibilities to include investigating the potential for new products, training new recruits, and scanning the horizon for the next big thing.

23^rd March 2015, Bath, UK: A region of extremes, Latin America is geographically and culturally diverse. However, Ti’s latest report, Latin America Logistics and Transport finds that a recurring theme throughout this vast region is the need for infrastructure improvements and loosening of regulatory requirements. Indeed, opportunities are great but will be missed if these factors are not addressed. For example, cold chain needs are growing thanks to the rise agricultural exports and in pharmaceutical handling and clinical trials expanding in the region. As a result, there is a need for temperature-controlled warehousing and transportation. In addition, the widening of the Panama Canal is bringing new opportunities into the surrounding area including expansion of ports and airports to meet the potential transhipment needs.

According to lead writer of the report, “The region’s greatest enemy is itself. In order for Latin America to reach its true potential, it will have to overcome its infrastructure issues once and for all as well as its bureaucratic and corrupt practices.”

While the opportunities are great, supply chains are unique for this region as companies work around infrastructure and regulatory issues. Many of these supply chains encompass Brazil and Mexico which combined, comprise almost 60% of Latin America’s GDP. However, the disparity between these two large economies is widening as Mexico enjoys its close proximity to the US and Brazil becomes further mired in taxation, regulations and strikes. Once the region’s export leader in electronics and automobiles, Brazil has now taken a back seat to Mexico.

Ti’s Trade Analyst notes that this disparity between the region’s largest economies will likely grow further as more companies move production to Mexico to take advantage of NAFTA credits as well as lower labour costs.

However, despite the heavy dependence on trade with North America, global trade is changing for this region. Trade with emerging markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East is on the rise. Furthermore, intra-region trade is considered the fourth largest trade partner behind North America, Europe and Asia. But, as noted by a few supply chain practitioners, managing customs clearance between countries is difficult at best as much of it is still not automated.

Still, while there are challenges to operate in this region, its growing middle-class with its purchasing power combined with improving social and health programs are presenting new opportunities. How it will overcome itself as its major enemy will be played out in the years to come as Latin American countries look towards government reforms to stimulate a region rich in opportunities.

To find out more about the report please contact Michael Clover.