In the first four months of 2023, Chilean exports recorded their highest value since records exist. Foreign sales rose to USD 34.633 million, exhibiting an increase of 7,3% (+USD 2.358 million) compared to the same period in 2022, according to the report published by the Directorate of Studies of the Undersecretary of International Economic Relations (Subrei ), with figures from the Central Bank and Customs.

In the analysis period, the three main export categories presented increases in their sales abroad: mining added shipments for USD 18.616 million (+USD 789 million; +4%); forestry and agricultural shipments amounted to USD 3.857 million (+USD 388 million; +11%); and industrial goods climbed to USD 12.161 million (+USD 1.181 million; +11%).

In line with the above, it was noted that the number of exporting companies also increased in all productive sectors, highlighting manufacturing, services, fishing and aquaculture, wines, forestry and agriculture.

In this context, the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, Claudia Sanhueza, indicated that "these figures show the auspicious work of our government so that national MSMEs can reach international markets with their offer of goods and services. In 2023 we see how the Chilean exportable supply breaks records, adding new companies even in highly innovative sectors such as manufacturing and services”.

The Undersecretary added that, in addition, these figures endorse "the Government's commitment to international trade that benefits everyone, supported by inclusive trade, which provides new opportunities for exporters from all regions of the country."

In turn, the commercial exchange from Chile amounted to USD 62.740 million in the first four months of 2023, experiencing a 6,2% drop compared to the same period in 2022 (-USD 4.135 million). This decline is mainly due to the 18,8% drop in imports (-USD 6.493 million), which could not be fully offset by the 7,3% rise in exports (+USD 2.358 million). All in all, the country's trade balance recorded a positive balance of USD 8.647 million in the period.

Regarding exports other than copper, lithium and cellulose, these totaled USD 16.450 million in the first four months, recording an increase of 12% compared to the same period in 2022, adding additional returns of USD 1.806 million.

The dynamism of Chilean shipments was led by molybdenum oxide, fresh cherries, iodine, pork, tires, machinery, cardboard, salmon, dried fruit, blueberries, kiwis, and corn seeds, to name a few.

In terms of geographic distribution, Asia and Oceania remain the main destination for Chilean shipments, accumulating shipments for USD 19.973 million. Europe is the region to which exports have increased the most in 2023, reaching USD 3.403 million (+17,4%, +USD 504 million); followed by North America with operations for USD 6.096 million (+8,4%, +USD 471 million) and Latin America with returns of USD 4.300 million (+12,5%, +USD 247 million).

The number of companies with sales abroad rose to 5.343 exporters (2.420 of them are of MiPyme size), experiencing an increase of 9% (+445) compared to the first four months of 2022. At the sector level, the largest increases were Companies in the manufacturing sector registered 216 exporters and service providers with 191 additional exporters, adding a total of 2.823 and 686 exporters, respectively, for the period.

Service exports

The country's exports of services grew 48% (+USD 216 million) in the first four months of 2023, adding returns of USD 670 million, achieving its highest value since the record exists, with exports to 120 destinations led by the United States ( USD 205 million), Peru (USD 139 million), Colombia (USD 64 million), Switzerland (USD 23 million), United Kingdom (USD 22 million) and Spain (USD 18 million).

The main export categories recorded record shipments for a January-April period, highlighting "information technology", "consulting", "financial", "science, technology and R&D", "animation", "accounting" and " videogames” that registered their highest export value.

It is worth mentioning that 9 regions of the country increased their exports of goods and services (excluding copper, lithium and cellulose). The most outstanding increases were exhibited by the regions of Antofagasta (+USD 733 million), Metropolitana (+USD 653 million), O'Higgins (+USD 110 million), Tarapacá (+USD 77 million), Los Lagos (+USD 65 million ), Los Ríos (+USD 21 million), Atacama (+USD 15 million) and Arica and Parinacota (+USD 7 million).