Chile Business Opportunities

Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade. The country has the longest coastline of any country in the world.

Key Industries:	Copper and Other Minerals, Iron and Steel, Wood and Wood Products, Transport Equipment, Food Stuffs, Fish Processing
Key Imports:	Petroleum and Petroleum Products, Chemicals, Electrical and Telecommunications Equipment, Industrial Machinery, Vehicles, Natural Gas
Key Exports:	Copper, Fruit, Fish Products, Paper and Pulp, Chemicals, Wine

Trade Environment

In 2006, the Country’s leading markets for exports were U.S. 15.6 %, Japan 10.5%, China 8.6%, Netherlands 6.7 %, South Korea 5.9 %, Italy 4.9%, Brazil 4.8 % and France 4.2 %. Its leading suppliers were U.S. 15.6 %, Argentina 12.6 %, Brazil 11.8 % and China 9.7%.

Chile's commitment to trade liberalization continued with the signing of a free trade agreement with the US, which took effect on 1 January 2004. It claims to have more bilateral or regional trade agreements than any other country, with 57 such agreements (not all of them full free trade agreements), including with the European Union, Mercosur, China, India, South Korea, and Mexico.

Business and Market Sector Opportunities

Energy • Industrial Products • Communications • Consumer Goods • Aviation Mining • Gas • Water

Economic Background and Situation

Between 2000 and 2007, growth ranged between 2%-6%. Throughout this period Chile maintained a low rate of inflation with GDP growth coming from copper prices, export earnings (particularly forestry, fishing, and mining), and growing domestic consumption. Chile continues to attract foreign direct investment, with most foreign investment going into gas, water, electricity, and mining.

Additional Resources:

American Chamber of Commerce Chile

Mercosur

Latin America Economics

Successful Market Economies in Latin America

Free Trade Agreements

South America Information

South America and Capitals

Information Resources

Latin American Chambers of Commerce

Chile Fast Facts
Capital:	Santiago
Key Cities:	Concepcion, Arica, Iquique, Valparaiso
Population	16.6 million (2007 E)
GDP Growth %	4.1 (‘08 E) 4.5 (‘09 F)
GDP	164.0 billion US$
GDP per Capita	9,877 US$
Inflation Rate Change (%)	3.9 (’08 E/’09 F)
Exports	71.4 (’09 F) billion US$
Imports	57.1 (’09 F) billion US$
Exchange Rate Local Currency-US$	507.0 (’09 F)
E = Estimate F = Forecast