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shadow market

[ˈʃædoʊ ˈmɑːrkɪt]
nounpl: shadow markets
mercado paralelo
1. An illegal or unregulated market where goods, services, or financial instruments are bought and sold outside official channels, often to evade taxes or regulations
The shadow market for counterfeit goods thrives in major cities worldwide.
O mercado paralelo de produtos falsificados prospera em grandes cidades do mundo todo.
2. Financial markets that operate outside the traditional banking system, including informal lending and peer-to-peer transactions
The shadow market for cryptocurrency transactions has grown exponentially.
O mercado paralelo de transações de criptomoedas cresceu exponencialmente.
NYC Slang
the underground economy / the hustle
Synonyms
black marketunderground marketinformal marketgray marketillicit marketshadow economy
Antonyms
regulated marketofficial marketformal marketlegitimate market

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mercado paralelo
Most common term used in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
mercado clandestino
Alternative usage emphasizing illegal nature
São Paulo
mercado informal
Often used in economic discussions
Portugal
mercado paralelo
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, standard usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

operate in the shadows
off the books
under the table
gray area market
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