Amazon announced the expected expansion of its Amazon Appstore to “nearly 200 countries”, having previously invited developers to submit apps targeting users in the new markets.

In a statement, it said that this is “the latest in a series of global expansions, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China and Japan. Amazon Appstore will come to Brazil in the coming months”.

Customers can buy apps and games from the store on computers or Android smartphones and tablets – including the company’s own Kindle Fire line.

In line with the Appstore expansion, it said that Kindle Fire is set to be available in “over 170 new countries” from 13 June.

Mike George, VP of apps and games at Amazon, said: “By further expanding the distribution of apps to millions of customers around the world, we are continuing to make it easy for customers to enjoy their Amazon apps on Kindle Fire and any Android device.”

According to a recent survey from Distimo, the Amazon store is beginning to challenge Google Play in the US, particularly with regard to paid downloads.