The figure places salmon farming ahead of forestry, fruit, and wine in terms of export revenue.
Chilean salmon farming has reclaimed its position as the country’s second-largest export sector after copper mining, according to the latest figures from the Central Bank of Chile.
The sector generated a total revenue of $6.5 billion in 2023, surpassing lithium exports, which concluded the year with $6 billion. This figure also places salmon farming ahead of forestry, fruit, and wine in terms of export revenue.
Between January and December last year, 774,000 tons of salmon and trout were exported, with the United States the largest market, receiving 253,632 tons, valued at $2.8 billion, representing a 1% decrease in value but a 1% increase in volume compared to 2022’s 251,131 tons at $2.8 billion.
Exports to Japan decreased significantly, with 137,040 tons valued at $932 million, showing a 23% decline in revenue and a 15% decrease in volume from 2022’s 160,400 tons at $1.2 billion.
Chile’s salmonid shipments to China saw a substantial increase, totaling 43,626 tons for $309 million, marking a 72% increase in volume and a 65% rise in value compared to 2022’s figures of 25,415 tons at $188 million.
Exports to Russia also grew, with 47,528 tons valued at $342 million, a 34% increase in volume and a 24% rise in value from 2022, when Chile exported 35,385 tons for $276 million.
Arturo Clément, the president of SalmonChile, expressed satisfaction with the results, emphasizing the sector’s recovery to pre-pandemic export levels and its crucial role in Chile’s economy. “We are happy, because these figures once again highlight the importance of this productive sector not only for the southern south, but also for the country, as it is the second most exported product during 2023,” Clément said.
He expressed optimism about the industry’s potential for continued growth in the coming years.
Clément also stressed the future prospects of salmon as a protein source, noting Chile’s unique position as the world’s second-largest salmon producer.
The industry’s focus, according to Clément, will be on consolidating its global standing through continued innovation in technology, research, science, and development, with sustainability as a key driver for future growth.
