Chile's seafood and fruit exports rise sharply in early 2026

Chile's fisheries and aquaculture sector recorded exports worth US$1.87 billion in the first two months of 2026, a 12.1% increase over the same period a year earlier and 33.9% above the 2021‑2025 average. Exported volume reached 398.9 kilotonnes, with aquaculture accounting for 80% of export value; salmon alone contributed 77.4% of total seafood earnings. The main destination for these products was Asia, especially China, which absorbed 18.2% of the sector's export value.

In parallel, Chile's fresh‑fruit exports generated US$1.334 billion from cherries, retaining the lead despite a 40.5% decline from the previous year. Other notable fruit performances included a 18.3% surge in kiwi sales and a 12% rise in avocado shipments. China remained the top market for fruit exports, followed by the United States, while European ports such as the Netherlands saw expanding demand. Together, the data highlight Chile's growing presence in global seafood and fruit markets despite mixed year‑on‑year changes for individual products.