Chilean foreign trade starts 2026 with record figures and new opportunities for companies

Chilean foreign trade started 2026 with a positive performance. Between January and April, the country's commercial exchange reached US$ 69.963 million, representing a growth of 8,2% compared to the same period of the previous year and the highest level recorded for the first four months of a year.

The figure was reported by the Undersecretariat of International Economic Relations, SUBREI, based on the Monthly Foreign Trade Report prepared with data from the Central Bank of Chile and the National Customs Service. During the same period, Chilean exports totaled US$ 39,772 million, with an increase of 12% versus January-April 2025.

The good result confirms that Chile maintains a dynamic trade activity, supported by both traditional sectors and an increasingly diverse export basket. For companies that import, export or participate in international logistics chains, these figures show a scenario with new opportunities, but also with greater demands in planning, documentation and compliance.

Mining continued to be one of the main drivers of domestic foreign trade. During the first four months of the year, it accounted for the 59.4% of shipments, with returns for US$ 23.606 million. Within that performance, copper stood out, with more than US$ 19 billion, and lithium, which almost tripled its shipments to reach US$ 2,137 million.

Growth was also observed in non-traditional exports, which recorded their best start to the year, exceeding US$ 18.201 million, with an increase of 11,4%. This group includes products such as salmon, frozen jack mackerel, hazelnuts, fresh apples, avocados and frozen raspberries, among others.

For the private sector, the data is relevant not only because of the volume of operations, but also because of the context it reflects. An active foreign trade opens space for new business, market diversification and greater cargo movement, but at the same time requires more orderly, traceable and timely customs processes.

In this sense, the early management of each operation can make a concrete difference. Proper document preparation, tariff classification, logistical coordination and regulatory compliance are key elements to avoid delays, additional costs or contingencies during the import or export process.

The growth of Chilean foreign trade is good news for the country and also a call to manage each operation with greater precision. At Pedro Serrano Customs Agency we support importers and exporters to make their customs processes simpler, safer and more efficient.

Source: Undersecretariat of International Economic Relations, SUBREI. Monthly Foreign Trade Report January-April 2026, prepared with data from the Central Bank of Chile and the National Customs Service.

Link: https://www.subrei.gob.cl/sala-de-prensa/noticias/detalle-noticias/2026/05/08/exportaciones-crecen-12–en-enero-abril-y-alcanzan-us–39.772-millones–litio-casi-triplica-sus-env%C3%ADos