Chile faces US tariff threats over fruit and salmon exports

The United States Trade Representative has announced a proposal to impose steep tariffs on Chilean agricultural and salmon products. One proposal referenced a possible 125 % duty on fruit and vegetable exports, while another outlined a 12.5 % tariff linked to alleged forced‑labor practices in the country's agro‑industry and intensive salmon farms.

Human‑rights groups, led by Fundación Libera, have filed complaints with the USTR alleging that migrant workers in Chile's fruit farms and salmon divers are subjected to deceptive contracts, wage withholding, movement restrictions, excessive hours and unsafe living conditions. The USTR cites these findings as justification for the tariff measures, stating that such labor abuses give foreign producers an unfair cost advantage.

Chile’s salmon sector, which generates about US$2.5 billion annually with roughly 40 % of sales destined for the United States, is a particular focus. The far‑right government of President José Antonio Kast has pledged to double salmon output by 2040, raising concerns that export growth may outpace labor‑rights reforms. The proposed tariffs could significantly affect Chile’s export revenues and pressure the government to strengthen enforcement against forced labor.