An extensive coastline of 6,435 kilometres, pure waters and a great diversity of marine resources of high nutritional value are characteristic of Chile. The cold waters of the South Pacific provide abundant resources for aquaculture, industrial fishing and artisanal fishing.

The main products for international consumers include jackmackerel, different types of hake, giant squid, king crab, swordfish and Pacific pomfret; also those extracted by deep sea fishing such as cod, and golden kingklip eel, as well as other products such as sea urchins, crabs, clams and Chilean abalones (locos). Additionally, Chile offers omega-3 concentrates and chemical products, derived from algae such as agar-agar, used in the food industry.

Aquaculture has grown exponentially in the last 30 years, with strong production and international positioning. The most important products are salmon and trout. Similarly, the aquaculture of molluscs has a relevant place with a highlight on mussels, scallops and abalones. 

The Chilean industry is characterised by a strict regulatory commitment, sustainability, quotas and temporary bans, traceability from origin to destination, with a certified industry and constant research as well as the highest sanitary standards worldwide. 

Industrial fishing focuses on sustainability, with 12 fisheries certified under the strict standards of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Marin Trust. It is also working on Clean Production Agreements on energy efficiency and waste reduction, especially plastics, a recycling programme for disused fishing nets, beach and seabed cleaning, respecting closed seasons and even additional voluntary closures when its own monitoring determines such necessity, and supporting and promoting scientific development and eradication of illegal fishing.

Chilean shipments to the world

In 2022, Chilean fisheries and aquaculture exported US$ 8,826 million, an increase of 24.7% over the previous year. The main products were salmon and trout, fishmeal, jack mackerel, mussels, fish oils and algae. The main destination market was North America, with the United States in the lead, followed by Asia, with Japan as the main recipient country, and South America, with Brazil as the main destination. 

In the case of Europe, exports in 2022 totalled US$ 1,079 million, 12.5% more than in 2021. Poland stands out as the ninth destination with US$ 33 million in shipments. 

Today Chile is the world's leading exporter of frozen salmon and trout fillets, as well as jack mackerel and mussels. 

Salmon: 

The salmon farming industry is developed in the southern part of the country and today is one of Chile's main export activities. The production is highly innovative and has a solid regulatory framework that protects the environmental health asset.

Mussels

Mussles are cultivated in the Chilean Patagonia, a natural territory of breath-taking beauty, with pure, high quality water and rich marine flora and fauna. It is precisely here, in the Chiloé archipelago, that the mussel industry is developed. Today there are more than 850 production centres with waters rich in phytoplankton and algae that give them the unique flavour.

Jackmackerel

This open water fish, a star product of industrial fishing, is one of Chile's most exported sea products, and is abundant in the waters of the South Pacific. In 2021, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) awarded it with a blue seal of approval for sustainability and environmental responsibility.  

Southern Hake

The Southern Hake comes from the cold, southern currents of the Pacific Ocean in Chile. Chile's industrial Southern Hake fishery was certified under the rigorous Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standards, which indicates its sustainability. In 2021, its exports totalled US$ 40, with Spain the main destination market.

Scallops

Its production is focused in the Coquimbo Region in the north of the country. This industry aims to deliver a quality product that ensures safety and traceability through good practices in the production process. 

About ProChile

ProChile is the institution of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that promotes the supply of Chilean goods and services in the world. Through a network of more than 50 offices around the world and 16 in the different regions of Chile, teams of professionals work to strengthen the country's position in international markets.

In Central Europe, ProChile has an office in Warsaw, which provides information to importers and looks for new opportunities. 

CONTACT Office in Poland:
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Source, ProChile