São Paulo – Electronic trade in Brazil had a turnover of 8.2 billion Brazilian reals (US$ 3.6 billion) in 2008, an increase of 30% over 2007, according to an estimate by e-bit, a consultancy company specialized in the sector. According to a company press statement, the global crisis has not affected sector performance.
To the director general at e-bit, Pedro Guasti, greater consumer confidence in the Internet is an important factor for electronic trade. He also pointed out the expansion of the level of professionalism of companies operating in the field, as well as the entry of great retail chains in the business.
"The fidelity of some consumers makes them associate the brand of the physical shop with the virtual shop," said Guasti, in the press statement, adding that on entering he purchase site, clients find better prices and payment conditions.
The most profitable period of the year, according to e-bit, was Christmas, when sales reached 1.25 billion reals (US$ 551 million).
For 2009, the company believes that the performance should also be positive, despite the crisis. e-bit forecasts sector growth of between 20% and 25% this year, with revenues of at least 10 billion reals (US$ 4.4 billion).
According to the press statement, while in Brazil the sector grew 30%, in the United States the expansion was 7%. In the United States, however, electronic trade had a turnover of US$ 136 billion in 2008.
*Translated by Mark Ament
