IT offshoring trends for U.S. companies in 2024: The rising role of Latin America
Brant Cebulla
Global outsourcing
2
min read
January 25, 2024
The IT services outsourcing market has experienced significant growth in recent years. Predictions suggest that the market will be worth above USD 1 trillion by 2030. The Asia Pacific region, particularly China and India, has traditionally led the market, due to a robust infrastructure for IT services and a large, skilled workforce specializing in technology sectors. However, as the global market evolves, Latin American countries are becoming increasingly prominent in the offshoring and nearshoring landscape for U.S. companies.
COVID-19 really shook things up, pushing everyone into remote work. This big shift got U.S. companies thinking: if our staff can work from anywhere, why not go fully offshore? This isn't just a hunch; there's research backing it up. Studies now estimate that up to 26% of U.S. service jobs could be offshored over time. It's a game-changer, showing how the pandemic has redefined not just where we work, but who's doing the work from halfway across the globe.
Latin America is emerging as a key player in the offshoring industry. Major countries in the region, including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, boast high percentages of self-employed individuals and solopreneurs, indicating a robust and flexible workforce. This growing workforce dynamism, combined with other key factors, makes LATAMLatAm an attractive destination for U.S. companies looking to offshore IT services.
When compared to the Asia Pacific region, Latin America has distinct advantages, including:
Minimal time zone difference, allowing for real-time interaction and quicker issue resolution.
Strong cultural fit: Countries throughout the Americas share many cultural similarities and styles of working.
Ease of travel, with major hubs throughout Latin America just a plane ride away.
As the global offshoring landscape evolves, Latin America is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the IT offshoring market for U.S. companies. The region's advantages in terms of communication, cultural compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and travel ease make it an increasingly attractive option for U.S. businesses. While Asia-Pacific remains a significant player, the dynamics of IT offshoring are shifting, with Latin America emerging as a key destination in the global trends of 2024 and beyond.