Pork market in Chile

Earlier Report Observations

Chile's pork market volume fluctuated between 445 000 t and 551 000 t from 2018 to 2023. The sharp drop to 465 000 t in 2019 resulted from a steep fall in imports alongside growing exports, as the industry's vertical integration model strengthened production and outbound shipments. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 introduced international logistical hurdles and temporary slowdowns in key markets like China, keeping market volume subdued at 446 000 t. A rebound to 525 000 t occurred in 2021, supported by a surge in imports and a dip in exports, even as domestic production was curbed in the latter half by high slaughter levels that tightened local supply.

The market contracted again to 502 000 t in 2022, influenced by a 13% drop in domestic pork consumption and a 35% reduction in imports compared to the previous year. During this period, the industry secured a $250 million joint venture to expand refrigerated and frozen logistics capacity, enhancing export infrastructure. By 2023, new trade agreements took center stage: a memorandum of understanding with China widened access for chilled pork and frozen by-products, and an Advanced Framework Agreement with the European Union established progressive tariff quotas. These steps bolstered export volumes, which reached 203 000 t, while the total market volume eased slightly to 489 000 t.

In 2024, domestic consumption gained momentum due to pork's affordability, versatility, and the growing influence of Asian cuisine. Chile's pork sector solidified its role as the country's fourth-largest food exporter, reaching nearly $1.2 billion in export revenues and activating over 50 international markets after seven successful foreign audits. For 2025, the industry continues to focus on excellence, innovation, and environmental commitment to navigate global trade challenges, building on earlier strategic agreements.

Production pork in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Chile ranked 24th globally in pork production.

Top producers of pork, 2018-2021

World map of production of pork, 2018-2021

Chile's pork production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 589.6 K t of pork, marking a 2.7% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 13.2%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 4.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Chile's pork production value increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, pork output was valued at 1 888 M $ US, up 5.5% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value grew by 23.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports pork from Chile

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, Chile's pork export volume declined. In 2021, the country exported 209.3 K t of pork, down 9.9% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 39.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.8%. The peak volume was recorded in 2020 at 232.2 K t, with the largest annual increase of 34.6% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, China (55.7% of exports in kind), South Korea (15.1%), and Japan (13.8%) formed the primary destinations for Chile's pork exports, collectively accounting for 84.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of gains, Chile's pork export value declined. In 2021, exports were recorded at 670.0 M $ US, showing a gradual decrease of 7.4% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, export value increased by 53.1%, with an annualized growth rate of 15.2%. The highest value was in 2020 at 723.8 M $ US, with the largest annual increase of 40.3% also in that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, China (44.2% of exports in value terms), Japan (21.3%), and South Korea (20.8%) consistently led as the top destinations for Chile's pork exports, jointly representing 86.3% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021

Imports pork to Chile

Imports in kind, K t

Chile's pork import volume rose for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 144.2 K t, reflecting a sharp increase of 39.2% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 19.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 7.1%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 101.4 K t, with the largest annual drop of 43.7% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil and the United States together accounted for 83.3% of Chile's pork imports in kind, with the remaining volume distributed among smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Chile's pork import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 393.5 M $ US, showing a significant uptick of 44.3% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value grew by 119.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Brazil (40.7% of imports in value terms), the United States (38.9%), and Germany (8.1%) were the main suppliers of pork to Chile, collectively representing 87.7% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021