Salmon, Chile's main non-mining export, saw a 1.5% drop in international shipments during the first half of the year compared to the same period last year, according to a report from the Chilean Salmon Council. Based on information from the National Customs Service, the volume exported between January and June was 361,000 tons (-5,460 tons), confirming a decline that has now continued for two consecutive years.
Salmon exports maintained a 15% share of total product shipments from Chile to the world. Although export revenue rose by 3% compared to 2024, reaching USD 3.086 billion, the growth rate is the lowest among other products. For example, despite being the main representative in the seafood category with a 69% share, it showed a more moderate performance compared to other export sectors.
Loreto Seguel, executive president of the Salmon Council, urged for this information to be used as a reference tool to make decisions that will boost the salmon farming industry, which is the second most exported product after copper.
"An industry that plans for the future needs to grow, and salmon, which is Chile's second-most exported product, registered a growth of only about 3%. While there are sometimes political signals that understand the value of salmon and the importance of its development, a marginal change is not enough. This challenge requires strategic vision, clear rules, and a real growth agenda. In short, we need a robust state policy," she commented.
Chilean salmon maintains presence in major world economies
A detailed analysis of the Chilean salmon export report for the first half of the year shows that Atlantic salmon accounted for 68.9% of exports and maintained virtually the same export volume as in H1 2024.
Meanwhile, after three years of growth, coho salmon registered a 5.2% drop, which is mainly due to a decrease in the volume sent to Japan. This decline leaves coho with a 31.1% share, one percentage point less than in the same period last year. Despite this, its shipments remain above 100,000 tons.
Regarding export destinations, tons exported to the United States (4.2%) and Brazil (2.2%) increased, consolidating both countries as the main buyers of local salmon. However, despite this increase, the volume exported to the U.S. in 2022 and 2023 has not recovered. Japan registered a 17.6% drop due to the decline of coho salmon, the main species imported by that country, to below 60,000 tons. As for growing markets, shipments to Russia doubled, going from 11,000 tons to 22,000 in 2025.
You can review the full Export Report here (Spanish).
