Chile's exports exceed $60 billion as copper price jumps and lithium rebounds

Chile's foreign trade reached a record in the first half of 2026, with total exports of US$106.5 billion and export earnings of US$60.3 billion – the first time a semester has passed the US$60 billion mark. Mining accounted for 61 % of the total, led by copper which generated US$30.2 billion (about 50 % of all exports). Lithium exports rose to US$3.2 billion, reflecting a recovery after a two‑year price slump, and signalling the end of a bearish cycle for the metal. Service exports also grew, adding US$1.8 billion. The main markets remained China (33.9 % of shipments), the United States (16.7 %), Japan (8.3 %), South Korea (3.9 %) and an expanding share to India.

At the same time, copper prices on the London Metal Exchange rose more than 2 % to US$6.06 per pound, the highest level since late June, supported by expectations that the United States may impose tariffs on copper imports gradually rather than abruptly. Analysts note the rally occurs despite ongoing geopolitical tensions that keep energy prices high, and it offers a boost to Chile’s fiscal outlook given the country’s status as the world’s largest copper producer.