Gapuma Strengthens Its Footprint in LATAM
30 September 2025 Gapuma continues to expand its presence across Latin America, with our Channel & Product Manager for LATAM, Sunil Bahl, completing an extended visit to Brazil from 17–26 September 2025. The centrepiece of the trip was the Abrafati Show in São Paulo (23–25 September), the region’s most prestigious gathering for the paints and coatings industry. Abrafati brings together global suppliers, regional manufacturers, and sector leaders, serving as a vital platform for innovation, networking, and business development. For Gapuma, participation in this event provided the opportunity to deepen existing relationships, explore collaborations that could introduce innovative solutions into the Brazilian market, and reinforce our engagement with global suppliers and industry stakeholders. Brazil, as one of the principal engines of growth in Latin America, remains central to our regional strategy. Sunil’s visit highlights our long-term commitment to fostering strong partnerships, encouraging knowledge exchange, and supporting sustainable growth across LATAM.
Brazil’s Market Decline Highlights Regional Risks
14 August 2025 Brazil’s financial markets experienced renewed turbulence on 13 August, with the Ibovespa index falling 0.9% to 136,687 points, reversing gains from the previous session. The decline underscores how global commodity pressures and domestic fiscal concerns are weighing on Latin America’s largest economy. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced $6 billion in temporary credit lines and tax incentives aimed at supporting exporters and cushioning tariff-related shocks. While these measures provide short-term relief, questions remain over long-term fiscal sustainability and the impact of increased spending without secured revenue streams. Commodity heavyweights Petrobras and Vale were among those affected, with share prices weakening on the back of softer oil and iron ore prices. Corporate results also reflected mixed fortunes: travel company CVC reported larger-than-expected losses, sending its shares down 10%, while construction firm MRV gained more than 6%, highlighting uneven resilience across sectors. For the wider region, Brazil’s market trajectory remains a bellwether. A sustained slowdown in its commodity sector could have knock-on effects for trade flows, investment, currency stability, and logistics networks throughout Latin America. Against the backdrop of optimism in the United States, Europe, and Asia, the caution in Latin America illustrates the region’s heightened sensitivity to Brazil’s fiscal and market dynamics — and the far-reaching implications for global supply chains.
Exploring New Horizons: Gapuma Strengthens Presence in Chile
24 April 2025 In a strategic move to boost Gapuma’s footprint in Latin America, Monica Bernal, Business Development Manager, recently completed her first market visit to Chile. The primary focus of the trip was to deepen engagement with key customers in the coatings and paints industries, working closely with Gapuma’s local agent. While Gapuma has successfully supplied epoxy resins and hardeners in other markets, sales in Chile have remained limited — a challenge Monica set out to address. Over an intensive week, Monica visited an average of three customers per day across Santiago, the nation’s capital, and the coastal city of Viña del Mar. Alongside showcasing Gapuma’s established product range, she also introduced customers to new lines that have been added to the portfolio over the past year. Chile presents a dynamic and highly competitive environment, where imported products face fewer restrictions than in other markets. Recognising the need for a stronger local presence, Monica identified two key priorities: the appointment of a proactive local distributor and greater engagement from Gapuma’s local representative. “I hope my enthusiasm during the trip managed to inspire our agent,” Monica reflected. “Building stronger relationships on the ground will be key to unlocking the full potential of the Chilean market.” Monica’s visit marks an important step in Gapuma’s efforts to expand in Latin America, reaffirming the company’s commitment to understanding customer needs and adapting to regional challenges.