Chile’s Top Exports in 2024
In 2024, Chile’s main export was copper, especially copper ore and refined copper.
- Copper exports reached a historic record of US$50.858 billion, up 17.3% from the previous year.
- Copper represented nearly half of Chile’s total goods exports, which reached US$100.163 billion (source).: World’s Top Exports)
Top 10 Export Products from Chile (2024)
| Rank | Product | Value (US$ billion) | % of Total Exports |
|---|
| 1 | Ores, slag, and ash (mostly copper) | 34.4 | 33.3% |
| 2 | Refined Copper | 20.1 | 19.4% |
| 3 | Fruits and Nuts | 8.3 | 8.0% |
| 4 | Fish and Seafood | 7.3 | 7.1% |
| 5 | Inorganic Chemicals | 5.4 | 5.2% |
| 6 | Wood Pulp | 3.3 | 3.2% |
| 7 | Wood and Wood Products | 2.3 | 2.2% |
| 8 | Machinery and Computers | 2.0 | 2.0% |
| 9 | Precious Stones and Metals | 1.71 | 1.7% |
| 10 | Beverages and Vinegar (mainly wine) | 1.68 | 1.6% |
Other Export Highlights
- Fresh Fruits:
Exports reached a record US$8.245 billion, up 28.6% compared to 2023.
Main fruits: cherries, grapes, apples, kiwis, avocados, and plums. - Wine:
Wine exports reached US$1.636 billion, growing 6.7% from 2023, with bottled wine and bulk wine leading. - Services Exports:
Services exports hit US$2.869 billion, an 18% increase.
Key services: web hosting and email, aircraft maintenance, IT support, and business management consulting.
Summary:
Chile’s 2024 export economy was strongly led by copper, but it also showed diversification with strong performances in fruits, wine, seafood, and services.
“Ores, slag, and ash” is a broad export category used in international trade.
In Chile’s case, this category mainly means copper ore.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Ores are naturally occurring rocks that contain metals (in this case, copper).
- Slag is a byproduct from metal smelting, but it’s less important here.
- Ash is usually waste material, not the main focus.
In Chile, “Ores, slag, and ash” is almost entirely made up of copper ore exports.
Chile is the world’s largest copper producer, and copper ore is one of its biggest sources of income.
So when you see “Ores, slag, and ash” in Chile’s export data, it’s mostly referring to:
- Raw copper ore mined and sold to other countries (especially China, the USA, and Japan),
- Which is then refined abroad into pure copper metal for use in electronics, construction, electric vehicles, etc.
In short:
For Chile, “Ores, slag, and ash” = mostly copper ore exports. 🔥🛠️
Good — let’s go deeper into Refined Copper (the second biggest export from Chile in 2024).
What is Refined Copper?
- Refined copper is pure copper metal (usually 99.9% pure or higher).
- It is produced by processing (smelting and refining) copper ore.
- Refined copper is shaped into copper cathodes — flat plates that can later be melted into wires, pipes, sheets, and many industrial products.
Fruits and Nuts, Chile’s #3 export in 2024.
What does “Fruits and Nuts” mean for Chile?
It refers to fresh fruits, dried fruits, and edible nuts grown and exported from Chile.
Chile is one of the world’s leading fruit exporters because of:
- Its excellent climate (similar to California or the Mediterranean),
- Its location allowing opposite-season exports to North America, Europe, and Asia,
- Its strict quality control and modern agriculture.
Top Fruits and Nuts Chile Exported in 2024:
| Product | Notes |
|---|
| Cherries 🍒 | Chile is the #1 cherry exporter to China, especially popular around Chinese New Year. |
| Grapes 🍇 | Fresh table grapes, mainly for the USA, China, and Europe. |
| Apples 🍏 | Especially Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith varieties. |
| Kiwis 🥝 | Major exports to Europe and the USA. |
| Avocados 🥑 | Exported heavily to Europe (especially Spain, the Netherlands) and the USA. |
| Plums 🍑 | Fresh plums are a growing export, mainly to Asia. |
| Blueberries 🫐 | Very popular in North America and Europe. |
| Walnuts 🌰 | Chilean walnuts are highly valued, mainly exported to Europe and Asia. |
| Almonds and Hazelnuts 🌰 | Smaller exports but growing steadily. |
Where Chile Exports Fruits and Nuts
| Region | Main Markets |
|---|---|
| Asia | China 🇨🇳 (especially for cherries and plums) |
| North America | USA 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦 |
| Europe | Germany 🇩🇪, Netherlands 🇳🇱, Spain 🇪🇸, UK 🇬🇧 |
Importance for Chile’s Economy
- Diversification: Fruits and nuts make Chile less dependent on mining (like copper).
- Jobs: Agriculture employs hundreds of thousands of Chileans.
- Reputation: Chile is recognized for high-quality, safe, and fresh fruits worldwide.
✅ Summary:
Fruits and Nuts are Chile’s third-biggest export — mainly fresh cherries, grapes, apples, kiwis, avocados, blueberries, plums, and walnuts — feeding major markets in Asia, North America, and Europe.
Let’s break down Fish and Seafood, Chile’s #4 export in 2024:
What does “Fish and Seafood” mean for Chile?
It includes:
- Farmed and wild-caught fish,
- Shellfish (like mussels), and
- Seafood products (like frozen, filleted, or processed fish).
Chile has a huge coastline — over 6,400 km (about 4,000 miles) — and cold, nutrient-rich waters that are perfect for marine life.
This makes Chile one of the world’s major seafood exporters.
Top Fish and Seafood Chile Exported in 2024:
✅ Summary:
Fish and Seafood is Chile’s 4th biggest export — dominated by salmon, trout, mussels, and wild-caught fish — supplying major markets like the USA, Japan, China, and Europe.
In 2024, Inorganic Chemicals ranked as Chile’s fifth-largest export category, contributing approximately US$5.4 billion, which accounts for about 5.2% of the nation’s total exports. World’s Top Exports
📉 Performance Overview
Despite its significant contribution, the inorganic chemicals sector experienced a notable decline of 46.9% compared to the previous year. This downturn may be attributed to various factors, including global market fluctuations and changes in demand.World’s Top Exports
🔬 Key Export Products
Chile’s inorganic chemical exports encompass a range of products, notably:
- Lithium Compounds: Chile is a leading exporter of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, essential for rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles and electronics.
- Iodine: Chile stands as the world’s largest producer of iodine, utilized in medical applications, disinfectants, and nutrition.
- Nitrates: Sodium and potassium nitrates are exported for use in fertilizers and industrial processes.
- Boric Acid: Employed in glass manufacturing, ceramics, and as an insecticide.
🌍 Major Export Destinations
Chile’s inorganic chemicals are primarily exported to:
- China: A significant importer, especially of lithium compounds for battery production.
- United States: Imports various inorganic chemicals for industrial and technological applications.
- European Union: Countries like Germany and the Netherlands are key markets.Volza+1AméricaEconomía+1
🏭 Leading Companies
A prominent player in Chile’s inorganic chemical industry is Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM). As of April 28, 2025, SQM’s stock is trading at $35.80 USD.
In 2024, wood pulp was Chile’s sixth-largest export, generating approximately US$3.35 billion in revenue. This sector plays a vital role in Chile’s economy, supplying raw materials essential for global paper, packaging, and hygiene product industries.Trading Economics
📦 What Is Wood Pulp?
Wood pulp is a fibrous material produced by chemically or mechanically processing wood. It serves as the primary raw material for manufacturing paper, cardboard, and various hygiene products.
🌍 Export Destinations
Chile’s wood pulp exports reach numerous countries, with the top importers being:
- China: The largest importer, accounting for a significant share of Chile’s wood pulp exports.
- United States: A major market for Chilean wood pulp.IndexBox
- Netherlands: An important European destination.TrendEconomy
Overall, Chile exported wood pulp to 56 countries, highlighting its global reach in this sector.
🏭 Key Exporters
Leading Chilean companies in the wood pulp industry include:
- CMPC: One of the largest pulp producers in Latin America.
- Arauco: A major player in the global pulp market.Trading Economics+10Volza+10IndexBox+10
These companies are instrumental in maintaining Chile’s position as a top wood pulp exporter.
📉 Market Trends
In 2024, Chile’s wood pulp exports experienced a significant decline of 91% compared to the previous year. This downturn may be attributed to various factors, including global market fluctuations and changes in demand.Volza
📊 Summary
| Metric | Value |
|---|
| Export Value (2024) | US$3.35 billion |
| Top Importer | China |
| Number of Exporting Countries | 56 |
| Leading Exporters | CMPC, Arauco |
| Year-over-Year Growth | -91% |
In 2024, wood and wood products ranked as Chile’s seventh-largest export category, generating approximately US$2.3 billion, which accounted for about 2.2% of the country’s total exports.
World’s Top Exports
🌲 Key Export Products
Chile’s wood export portfolio includes:
Sawn Wood and Lumber: Primarily from pine and eucalyptus, used in construction and furniture manufacturing.
Plywood and Veneered Panels: Utilized in building materials and interior design.
Fiberboard and Particle Board: Employed in furniture and cabinetry production.
Wood Export & Import+2Trading Economics+2ResourceWise+2
Wood Charcoal: Used for fuel and industrial applications.
Import Globals
Wooden Packaging Materials: Including crates and pallets for shipping goods.🌍 Major Export Destinations
Chile’s wood products are exported to various countries, with the United States being a significant importer. In 2023, exports to the U.S. included:
Continuously Shaped Wood: US$242 million
Fiberboard: US$235 million
Volza+12Trading Economics+12Import Globals+12
Plywood and Laminated Wood: US$229 million
globalwood.org+11AméricaEconomía+11Import Globals+11
Sawn or Chipped Wood: US$219 million
Other notable markets include China, Japan, and South Korea, which import various wood products for construction and manufacturing purposes.
🏭 Leading Exporters
Prominent Chilean companies in the wood industry are:
CMPC: A major pulp and paper company also involved in wood product manufacturing.
Arauco: One of the largest forestry companies in Latin America, producing a range of wood products.These companies play a crucial role in maintaining Chile’s position in the global wood products market.
In 2024, machinery and computers were not among Chile’s top export categories. Instead, Chile primarily imported these products to support its mining, agriculture, and industrial sectors.
📉 Machinery and Computers: Imports vs. Exports
- Imports: In 2023, Chile imported approximately US$10.2 billion worth of machinery, including computers, making it the country’s second-largest import category, accounting for 12.6% of total imports. AGI Global Logistics
- Exports: Chile’s exports of computers are minimal. For instance, in December 2024, computer exports totaled only US$3.1 million, with the United States being the primary destination. Trading Economics+2The Observatory of Economic Complexity+2Global Economic Data+2
🌍 Key Import Partners
Chile primarily imports machinery and computers from:
- China: A leading supplier of various machinery and electronic equipment.
- United States: Provides advanced machinery and computing technology.
- Germany: Known for high-quality industrial machinery.
🏭 Usage in Chile
The imported machinery and computers are crucial for:
- Mining Operations: Advanced machinery is essential for efficient extraction and processing of minerals.lloydsbanktrade.com+6AméricaEconomía+6AméricaEconomía+6
- Agriculture: Modern equipment enhances productivity and sustainability.The Observatory of Economic Complexity+7World’s Top Exports+7AméricaEconomía+7
- Manufacturing: Computers and machinery support various industrial processes.
In 2024, precious stones and metals were Chile’s 10th-largest export category, generating approximately US$1.71 billion, which accounted for about 1.7% of the country’s total exports. World’s Top Exports
💎 Key Export Products
Chile’s exports in this category include:
- Gold: Unwrought non-monetary gold is a significant export, with Chile exporting $286 million worth in 2024. The Observatory of Economic Complexity
- Silver: Chile is among the world’s top producers of silver, primarily as a byproduct of copper mining.
- Precious and Semi-Precious Stones: While not a major export, Chile does export small quantities of stones such as lapis lazuli, which is found in the Andes.
🌍 Major Export Destinations
Chile’s precious stones and metals are primarily exported to:
- United States: A significant importer of Chilean gold and silver.
- China: Imports various precious metals for industrial and manufacturing purposes.
- Other Markets: Smaller quantities are exported to countries like Spain and India.
🏭 Industry Overview
The precious metals industry in Chile is closely linked to its mining sector, particularly copper mining. Silver, for instance, is often extracted as a byproduct of copper mining. Chile’s gold production is relatively modest compared to other countries, but it still plays a role in the global precious metals market.
In 2024, Beverages, Spirits, and Vinegar emerged as Chile’s 8th-largest export category, generating approximately US$1.68 billion, which accounted for about 1.6% of the country’s total exports. World’s Top Exports
🍷 Wine: Chile’s Leading Beverage Export
Wine is the dominant product within this category. In 2024, Chile’s wine sector achieved foreign sales of US$1.636 billion, marking a 6.7% increase compared to 2023. This growth was largely driven by a rise in both bottled and bulk wine shipments. AméricaEconomía
In the first quarter of 2024, Chile’s wine exports saw a resurgence, with a 9.6% increase in volume and a 3.3% rise in value compared to the same period in 2023. However, the average price per liter decreased by over 10%, from $2.25 to $2.02, indicating a shift towards more affordable wine exports. The Drinks Business+4Harpers+4Harpers+4Vinetur
Notably, the United Kingdom surpassed China to become Chile’s top wine export market in 2024. This shift reflects changing global consumer preferences and market dynamics.
🍾 Other Beverages and Vinegar
Exports of other beverages, spirits, and vinegar totaled approximately US$156 million in August 2024, reflecting a 6.6% increase from the previous year. The Observatory of Economic Complexity
Chile’s vinegar exports were modest, amounting to $25.4 thousand in November 2024. While this represents a 58.3% increase from the previous year, the overall value remains relatively small. The Observatory of Economic Complexity
🌍 Major Export Destinations
Chile’s beverages, spirits, and vinegar are exported to various countries, with the top destinations in August 2024 being:AGI Global Logistics+7The Observatory of Economic Complexity+7Tradeimex+7
- Brazil: $22 million
- United Kingdom: $18.6 million
- France: $14.2 million
- United States: $13.4 million
- China: $12.1 millionThe Observatory of Economic Complexity+1Vinetur+1
These figures highlight the global demand for Chilean beverages and the country’s strong presence in international markets. The Observatory of Economic Complexity
📊 Summary
| Category | Value (2024) | Share of Total Exports |
|---|
| Wine | $1.636 billion | 1.63% |
| Other Beverages, Spirits & Vinegar | $156 million | 0.16% |
| Total Beverages, Spirits & Vinegar | $1.68 billion | 1.6% |
