Chile Canned Seafood HS1605 Export Data 2025 September Overview

Chile Canned Seafood (HS 1605) 2025 September Export: Key Takeaways

Chile's Canned Seafood (HS Code 1605) exports in September 2025 reveal a premium-focused market, with the US dominating as the high-value buyer (41.53% of export value) at $2.29/kg, while Russia absorbs bulk volumes at lower prices. The US market's concentration underscores both opportunity and risk, balanced by mid-tier EU demand under trade agreements. This analysis, covering September 2025, is based on verified Customs data from the yTrade database.

Chile Canned Seafood (HS 1605) 2025 September Export Background

Chile’s Canned Seafood (HS Code 1605), covering prepared or preserved crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic invertebrates, serves global food retail and hospitality industries, where demand remains steady due to shelf-stable convenience. Recent EU-Chile trade agreements, effective February 2025, now grant tariff-free access for 96.5% of Chilean exports, including HS 1605 products, boosting competitiveness [Carey]. Chile’s September 2025 exports benefit from this expanded access, alongside stable U.S. trade under existing zero-tariff agreements, reinforcing its role as a key supplier.

Chile Canned Seafood (HS 1605) 2025 September Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Chile Canned Seafood HS Code 1605 Export 2025 September saw a sharp 71% month-on-month surge in unit price to $1.37/kg, the second-highest level this year, even as export volume fell to a yearly low of 10.01 million kg.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The September unit price spike contrasts with August's low of $0.80/kg, reflecting typical inventory drawdowns ahead of peak holiday demand cycles. Year-to-date, average prices remain volatile, fluctuating between $0.60–$1.54/kg, while export volumes have trended downward since March’s high of 20.65 million kg. This pattern suggests tightened supply or quality-focused shipments rather than bulk trading.

External Context and Outlook

The EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement [carey.cl], effective February 2025, grants tariff-free access for 96.5% of Chilean products—including HS Code 1605—likely incentivizing higher-value, certified exports to Europe. Concurrently, Chile’s stricter import VAT policy [kmdelivered.com] may indirectly support domestic processing. These factors, combined with stable U.S. access under existing FTAs, position Chile to prioritize premium markets amid supply constraints.

Chile Canned Seafood (HS 1605) 2025 September Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In September 2025, Chile's Canned Seafood exports under HS Code 1605 are heavily specialized in mussel preparations, specifically "Mollusc preparations; mussels, prepared or preserved", which dominate with over 90% of the weight share and 63% of the value share. This product has a low unit price of 0.94 USD per kilogram, indicating a bulk commodity focus. Two sub-codes with zero unit price, for crab and shrimp in airtight containers, are isolated as anomalies due to their negligible value contribution.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-anomalous sub-codes fall into three clear value tiers: low-value bulk mussels at under 1 USD/kg, medium-value other mollusc preparations like pastes and meals at 3-6 USD/kg, and high-value shrimp and prawns at 17-18 USD/kg. This structure shows a mix of fungible bulk commodities for mussels and more differentiated, higher-grade products for crustaceans, suggesting Chile exports both mass-market and premium canned seafood items.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For market players, pricing power is limited for bulk mussel exports but stronger for premium shrimp and prawn products. The EU-Chile trade agreement [Carey] provides tariff-free access, boosting export competitiveness across all grades, while the stable US-Chile FTA (Carey) supports consistent demand. Strategic focus should prioritize high-value items to maximize margins in Chile Canned Seafood HS Code 1605 Export 2025 September.

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Chile Canned Seafood (HS 1605) 2025 September Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In September 2025, Chile's canned seafood exports under HS Code 1605 are highly concentrated, with the United States as the dominant market, accounting for 41.53% of export value but only 24.84% of weight. This disparity shows a higher unit price of approximately $2.29 per kg for shipments to the US, indicating premium, value-added products compared to other destinations. The US leads in both frequency and value, underscoring its role as the primary high-end market for Chile Canned Seafood HS Code 1605 Export 2025 September.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Export patterns form three clusters: the US stands out for high value and frequency, driven by strong demand for quality canned goods under the US-Chile Free Trade Agreement. Russia represents a bulk cluster with high weight share (25.75%) but lower value (11.86%), suggesting shipments of lower-cost, mass-market items. EU countries like Spain, Italy, and France form a mid-range cluster with moderate value and frequency, likely benefiting from trade preferences such as the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement [EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement] that facilitate access for processed seafood.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Chile should capitalize on trade agreements to boost exports, focusing on the US for premium segments and expanding in the EU under the new tariff-free terms (EU-Chile Agreement). Diversifying beyond the US can reduce risk, while improving certifications and processing for higher-value products will align with market demands. Supply chains must ensure compliance with origin rules and quality standards to maintain competitive advantage in key markets.

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Chile Canned Seafood (HS 1605) 2025 September Export: Action Plan for Canned Seafood Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Chile Canned Seafood Export 2025 September under HS Code 1605 operates as a dual-tier market. Price is driven by product grade—bulk mussels at low prices versus premium shrimp and prawns at higher margins—and by contract volumes from dominant, high-frequency buyers in key markets like the US. Supply chain implications center on Chile’s role as a processing hub, requiring strict compliance with origin rules under trade agreements (e.g., EU-Chile and US-Chile FTAs) to maintain tariff-free access and competitive logistics for both bulk and high-value segments.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Canned Seafood Market Execution

• Use HS Code sub-level data to shift production focus toward high-value shrimp and prawn products under HS Code 1605. This maximizes margin per shipment and reduces reliance on low-price bulk mussels.
• Leverage buyer frequency analytics to secure long-term contracts with high-value, high-frequency buyers. This ensures stable revenue and reduces market volatility risk.
• Analyze destination-specific unit prices to customize product mix for the US (premium) and EU (mid-range) markets. This aligns exports with regional demand and optimizes pricing.
• Monitor trade agreement updates (e.g., EU-Chile rules of origin) to ensure compliance and maintain tariff-free advantages. This avoids costly delays and preserves market access.
• Diversify export destinations by targeting infrequent high-value buyers in emerging markets. This reduces over-reliance on the US and spreads geopolitical and economic risk.

Take Action Now —— Explore Chile Canned Seafood Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Chile Canned Seafood Export 2025 September?

The September 2025 surge in unit price (71% MoM to $1.37/kg) reflects tightened supply and a shift toward premium products, supported by trade agreements like the EU-Chile deal. Export volumes hit a yearly low, indicating quality-focused shipments over bulk trading.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Chile Canned Seafood Export 2025 September?

The US dominates with 41.53% of export value, followed by Russia (11.86%) and EU countries like Spain, Italy, and France. The US commands premium pricing ($2.29/kg), while Russia receives bulk, lower-cost shipments.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Chile Canned Seafood Export 2025 September partner countries?

Price gaps stem from product specialization: bulk mussels (under $1/kg) ship to markets like Russia, while high-value shrimp/prawns ($17–18/kg) target the US and EU. The US’s higher unit price reflects its premium product demand.

Q4. What should exporters in Chile focus on in the current Canned Seafood export market?

Exporters must prioritize high-value buyers (94.38% of value) and premium products (e.g., shrimp) to maximize margins. Diversifying beyond the US—leveraging EU tariff-free access—can mitigate over-reliance risks.

Q5. What does this Chile Canned Seafood export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

US buyers secure premium products at stable volumes, while EU buyers gain tariff-free access to mid-range items. Bulk buyers (e.g., Russia) face lower costs but limited product diversity.

Q6. How is Canned Seafood typically used in this trade flow?

Chile’s exports serve both mass-market (bulk mussels for retail) and premium segments (shrimp/prawns for gourmet markets). The mix caters to diverse buyer needs, from cost-sensitive to high-end demand.