Chilean Salmon Farming Records Strong and Sustained Export Growth in 2023

Chilean salmon farming has shown strong and sustained growth in export figures for the first eight months of 2023. From January to August 2023, Chile exported 490.66 thousand tons of salmon and trout valued at USD 4,318 million, representing a 2.6% increase in returns and a 5% increase in volume compared to the same period in 2022. August 2023 saw a significant surge with 62.12 thousand tons exported, worth USD 529 million, a 13% increase in volume, and a 10% increase in returns compared to July 2023.
Key export markets include China, where exports of salmonids to China reached 30.85 thousand tons worth USD 227 million, a substantial increase of 94% in volume and 91% in returns compared to 2022. Mexico has also become a strategic market, receiving 13.29 thousand tons valued at USD 146 million, marking a 15% increase in volume and a 14% increase in returns compared to 2022. Brazil remains the most important Latin American market for Chile, with exports of 85.60 thousand tons valued at USD 562 million, representing a 7% increase in volumes and a 2% increase in returns. On the other hand, Japan saw a 13% decrease in returns and a 17% decrease in volumes, with Chile exporting 68.89 thousand tons for USD 543 million. The United States led Chilean exports with 169.37 thousand tons exported for USD 1,909 million, a marginal decrease of 0.2% in volume and 2% in value compared to the same period in 2022. Russia also experienced significant growth, with 29.18 thousand tons exported for USD 212 million, marking an 81% increase in shipments and a 78% increase in returns compared to the previous year.