# Chile trade diversification amid US tariffs > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chile-trade-diversification-amid-us-tariffs > Updated: 2026-09-02T15:32:00.000Z. Sources: 70. Developments: 9. Following high-level meetings in Santiago between Chilean Undersecretary Paula Estévez and U.S. Deputy Assistant Trade Representative Jeffrey Goettman, bilateral negotiations regarding the 12.5% tariff surcharge have continued without immediate relief. The recent in-person discussions concluded without granting new exemptions for critical sectors, including salmon, fruit, wine, and forestry products. While 53.6% of Chilean exports to the U.S. remain duty-free, the tariffs affect approximately 40.3% of the export basket. A new round of virtual discussions is expected within two weeks, during which the United States is anticipated to present a proposal regarding potential product exemptions. The economic impact of the tariffs is becoming evident in specific sectors. In July 2026, Chilean bottled wine exports saw a significant downturn, with total volume falling by 7.2% and value by 10.9% compared to the previous year. The decline was most acute in the United States, where wine shipment volumes plummeted by 36% and values dropped by 47%. While growth was noted in markets such as China, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, the U.S. market remains heavily impacted by the trade measures. ## Claims - The USTR imposed a 25% surcharge on various Brazilian products in July. (disputed by 14 sources) - The United States applied a 12.5% tariff on various products, including some from Brazil. (disputed) - Brazilian Minister Márcio Elias Rosa and USTR representative Jamieson Greer are scheduled for a virtual meeting on Monday. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Presidents Lula and Trump held a cordial phone call to discuss trade relations. (corroborated by 14 sources) - President Lula claims the U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods are based on unfounded justifications. (corroborated by 14 sources) - The U.S. cited deforestation, corruption, and forced labor as justifications for tariffs on Brazilian goods. (corroborated by 12 sources) - The United States applied a 12.5% tariff on various Chilean imports. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Jeffrey Goettman, a U.S. Trade Representative official, visited Chile to negotiate tariff conditions. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Copper and lithium are excluded from the 12.5% tariff on Chilean exports. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Chilean authorities are negotiating to increase the number of products exempt from U.S. surcharges. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Currently, 53.6% of the value of Chilean exports to the United States is exempt from the 12.5% tariff. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: Chilean wine exports decline amid U.S. tariff impacts Chilean wine exports fell in July 2026, hit hard by a 47% value drop in the U.S. due to tariffs, while U.S. spirits sales saw a slight volume increase driven by canned cocktails. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chilean-wine-exports-decline-amid-us-tariff-impacts ### 2026-08-27: Chile and United States continue trade talks over export tariffs Chile and the U.S. are negotiating to reduce a 12.5% tariff on Chilean exports like salmon and fruit. Meanwhile, Mercado Libre is investing $240 million to expand its logistics network in Chile. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-and-us-negotiate-expansion-of-export-tariff-exemptions ### 2026-08-24: Brazil and Chile negotiate with U.S. over new trade tariffs Brazil and Chile are negotiating with the U.S. to mitigate recent tariff impositions. Brazil seeks to challenge 25% and 12.5% surcharges, while Chile works to expand exemptions for its agricultural and manual's 41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-trade-delegation-arrives-in-chile-to-negotiate-125-tariff-surcharge ### 2026-08-18: Chilean officials criticize Trump administration's regional trade and security policies Former Chilean Foreign Minister Mariano Fernández criticized U.S. trade tariffs and foreign policy, urging Chile to maintain autonomy amidst rising tensions between the United States and China. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chilean-officials-criticize-trump-administrations-regional-trade-and-security-policies ### 2026-08-15: Chilean fishing guilds petition U.S. to reverse 12.5% tariff Chilean fishing guilds have petitioned the U.S. Ambassador to Chile to reverse a 12.5% tariff on Chilean products, citing threats to regional employment and economic stability. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chilean-fishing-guilds-petition-us-to-reverse-125-tariff ### 2026-08-04: Chile wine exports slump as US imposes new tariffs U.S. raised tariffs on Chilean wine to 12.5%, causing a 33% drop in export value and a 0.7‑point loss in market share in early 2026, prompting trade‑policy debate in Chile. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-wine-exports-slump-as-us-imposes-new-tariffs ### 2026-08-02: Chile Public Rejects US Tariffs, Calls for Stronger Trade Ties with China Chile's latest poll finds 87% reject US tariff hikes, 52% favor prioritising trade with China, and public disapproval of the government's US policy rises. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-public-rejects-us-tariffs-calls-for-stronger-trade-ties-with-china ### 2026-07-29: Chile Seeks Multilateral Trade Allies After US Imposes 12.5% Tariff Chile denounces the US’s new 12.5% tariff on many exports, calls for multilateralism and seeks new trade deals with Asia‑Pacific and African partners while modernizing existing FTAs. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-seeks-multilateral-trade-allies-after-us-imposes-125-tariff ### 2026-07-27: Chile balances US partnership and Chinese mineral ties as Washington imposes new tariffs Chile says the U.S. is its main strategic ally but keeps China vital for copper and lithium, while Washington levies 12.5% tariffs on Chilean agri‑food and wood, prompting a firm diplomatic response. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-balances-us-partnership-and-chinese-mineral-ties-as-washington-imposes-new-tariffs --- Cite as: Chile trade diversification amid US tariffs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chile-trade-diversification-amid-us-tariffs