E-commerce contributes approximately 4 percent to Argentina’s GDP, according to PCMI analysis. The combination of mobile-first shopping habits, essential product demand, and strong domestic platforms sets the stage for sustained market activity.

Argentina’s e-commerce market has experienced substantial growth, propelled by increased internet access, smartphone penetration, and the adoption of digital payment methods. This sector accounted for an estimated $26.7 billion in transaction volume in 2023, with projections that this will continue growing at a 17 percent CAGR until 2027, according to the PCMI E-commerce Data Library. In fact, recent economic turbulence has driven many Argentines to turn to e-commerce. Because of this, online shopping has surged, with e-commerce revenue increasing by 248 percent in 2024 YOY. This shift is partly due to convenience, the often-lower prices found online, and the ability to access a broader range of goods, without the added costs of physical stores. On top of this, many businesses have adapted by enhancing their online presence and offering more competitive prices to attract cost-conscious consumers.

While credit cards currently hold the largest share of e-commerce payments in Argentina (39 percent), digital wallets are expected to overtake them in the near future (at a 59 percent forecasted market share in 2027, compared to 25 percent for credit cards). The ease of use, alongside features like instant refunds and promotions, make digital wallets a preferred choice for many consumers.

Argentina’s e-commerce market is heavily shaped by mobile-first consumer behaviors, with 70 percent of online purchases made via mobile devices compared to 30 percent on desktop, according to PCMI’s 2024 E-Commerce Data Library. This trend reflects an established preference for convenience, likely driven by the increasing penetration of smartphones and a growing reliance on mobile payment solutions. Retailers looking to maximize their reach must prioritize mobile optimization to maintain competitiveness in the local market.

According to data from the Cámara Argentina de Comercio Electrónico (CACE), Argentina’s e-commerce chamber, online purchases seemingly focus on essentials and home-related goods. Food and beverages rank first in online purchases, indicating a strong reliance on digital platforms for daily needs. In second place, tools and construction materials signal demand from individual consumers and small businesses alike. Home, furniture, and garden products follow closely in third place, pointing to increased home improvement activities, as consumers adjust their living environments. The importance of personal care items and white goods also suggests a sustained demand for consumer staples and large household appliances, reflecting broader consumption patterns within the market.

Among the top national and international marketplaces in Argentina, the ones with more active users (a device having one or more foreground sessions within an app during the month), according to SEMrush data from August 2024, were:

Source: SEMrush, 2024

According to PCMI’s 2023 E-Commerce Data Library, domestic retailers dominate the country’s e-commerce landscape, with 97 percent of sales stemming from local sellers. Despite this and other fiscal obstacles detailed below, cross-border e-commerce is projected to expand by 30 percent in 2025, indicating a growing interest in international products, which could be attributed to pricing differentials and broader product selection.