Chile's Trade Surplus Expands to $3.594 Billion in December, Driven by Record Copper Exports

Chile Records Robust Trade Surplus in December

Chile, the world's leading copper producer, concluded December with a significantly expanded trade surplus of $3.594 billion. This figure marks a notable increase from the $1.90 billion recorded in the previous month, according to recent data. The strong performance was largely attributed to a surge in export revenues, particularly from the nation's dominant copper industry.

Copper Exports Reach Record Highs

The primary driver behind December's impressive trade surplus was the robust performance of copper exports. Revenue from copper alone reached a record $5.830 billion for the month, representing a 26.3% increase compared to the same period a year earlier. This substantial contribution highlights copper's critical role in Chile's economic landscape, consistently accounting for over 50% of the country's total exports and more than 10% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Overall, Chile's total exports in December climbed to $11.286 billion, while imports rose to $7.691 billion. This export value was described as the strongest monthly reading since at least 2013.

Annual Trade Performance and Economic Context

The strong finish to the year also contributed to a milestone for Chile's annual trade figures. For the full year 2025, Chile's total exports reached $107.004 billion, marking the first time the country has surpassed the $100 billion threshold. Mining exports, predominantly copper, accounted for approximately $63.253 billion of this total, with copper specifically contributing around $55.188 billion.

While copper remains the cornerstone of Chile's export economy, the nation's export base also includes other significant sectors. Food exports, for instance, amounted to approximately $13.610 billion in 2025, with cherries alone contributing about $3.380 billion. Imports also saw growth in 2025, totaling approximately $92.662 billion, an increase of roughly 10% from the prior year, reflecting stronger domestic demand and investment.

Global Position in Copper Production

Chile maintains its position as the world's largest copper producer, holding approximately 30% of global production and a third of the world's known copper reserves. The country's mining sector is a leading recipient of foreign direct investment and a significant source of employment. Major export partners for Chilean copper include China, Japan, and South Korea.