Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormDried (kilned malted barley grain)
Industry PositionFood & Beverage Ingredient (Brewing and Distilling Input)
Market
Barley malt (HS 1107) in Chile is supplied by a mix of domestic malting capacity and significant imports, with demand anchored in brewing and related food-ingredient uses. UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS indicates Chile imported malt not roasted (HS 110710) in 2023 at about USD 38.5 million (48.5 million kg), while exporting about USD 3.3 million, indicating a net-import position for standard (not roasted) malt. Imports of roasted malt (HS 110720) are smaller in value but are sourced from multiple origins, while Chile also exports roasted malt in smaller volumes. A notable domestic producer is Maltexco (Patagonia Malt), which reports malting operations in Talagante and Temuco and an export-oriented facility in Coronel.
Market RoleNet importer with domestic production and regional exports
Domestic RoleIndustrial ingredient for breweries, craft breweries, and food manufacturers; domestically produced base and specialty malts complement imports
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImported malt intended for food use can be held or delayed if the health authority’s import process requires inspection/sampling or if the importer cannot satisfy documentation and technical file expectations under Chile’s food sanitary framework (RSA and SEREMI procedures). Delays can disrupt brewery production schedules and can escalate to non-release if the shipment is deemed non-compliant.Prepare a SEREMI-ready dossier per ChileAtiende guidance (CDA, invoice, Spanish technical sheet, labeling/project where applicable, and COA/analysis where risk warrants) and align shipment lots to clear traceability and document matching before arrival.
Supply Concentration MediumChile’s 2023 imports of malt not roasted (HS 110710) were heavily concentrated in Argentina as the origin, creating exposure to supplier-country production, pricing, and logistics disruptions for standard malt supply.Qualify secondary origins and maintain dual-sourcing contracts for base malt, especially for large-volume brewery programs.
Logistics MediumOcean freight availability, port congestion, and domestic port/transport disruptions can delay bulk or bagged malt deliveries into Chile, tightening brewery input inventories and raising landed costs for imported malt (especially specialty malt sourced from outside the region).Use buffer inventory and forward freight planning (fixed windows, alternative routings/ports where feasible) and prioritize stable supplier lead times for specialty malts.
Quality MediumBrewing performance is sensitive to malt consistency; variability in modification, moisture pickup, or contamination during storage/transport can lead to brewhouse yield loss or off-flavor risk, particularly when switching between domestic and imported supply lots.Define inbound QA specifications (including moisture and key brewing performance parameters) and require lot-level COAs with clear traceability identifiers.
Sustainability- Energy intensity of kilning/roasting in malting operations; at least one major Chilean producer reports energy-management certification (ISO 50001) as part of its integrated management system.
Labor & Social- Buyer due diligence may focus on ethical trade and audit readiness; a major Chilean malt producer reports SMETA as part of its integrated management system.
FAQ
Is Chile a net importer or exporter of barley malt?Chile is a net importer for malt not roasted (HS 110710). UN Comtrade data via WITS shows imports of about USD 38.5 million in 2023 versus exports of about USD 3.3 million for the same HS 6-digit code.
Which countries supply most of Chile’s malt imports?For malt not roasted (HS 110710), Argentina was the dominant origin for Chile’s 2023 imports in UN Comtrade data via WITS. For roasted malt (HS 110720), 2023 imports include Germany, Argentina, the Netherlands and Belgium among the listed origins.
What are the key steps and documents commonly referenced for clearing imported food-use malt in Chile?ChileAtiende guidance indicates Customs may require a Certificado de Destinación Aduanera (CDA) identifying the destination warehouse and transport conditions, followed by a SEREMI de Salud process to obtain an authorization for use and disposition of imported foods; SEREMI may request supporting documents such as invoice, technical sheet in Spanish, labeling project where applicable, and analysis results depending on risk and history. Separately, SAG sets phytosanitary requirements for regulated plant-origin agricultural imports and provides the official entry-point procedure guidance.