Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon HS030312 Export Data 2025 April Overview

Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS 030312) 2025 April Export: Key Takeaways

Chile’s Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS Code 030312) exports in April 2025 reveal a market split between premium and bulk demand, with Vietnam paying a premium (4.42 USD/kg) for high-grade product while Japan dominates volume at lower prices (0.91 USD/kg). Geographic risk is high, as Vietnam alone accounts for 26.55% of export value, signaling heavy reliance on a single premium buyer. This analysis, covering April 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS 030312) 2025 April Export Background

What is HS Code 030312?

HS Code 030312 covers Frozen Pacific Salmon (Oncorhynchus species, excluding sockeye salmon), specifically whole or gutted but not filleted, and excluding fish meat or offal. This product is a critical export for Chile, serving global demand in food retail, hospitality, and processed seafood industries. Its stability in frozen form ensures year-round availability, making it a staple in international trade.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Chile's Frozen Pacific Salmon exports (HS Code 030312) in 2025 operate under streamlined trade policies, particularly the Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) with the EU, effective since February 1, 2025. This agreement eliminates tariffs for 99.6% of Chilean exports, including seafood, and replaces EUR.1 certificates with exporter declarations of origin [FreightAmigo]. Chile’s extensive FTA network (33 agreements) further bolsters its competitive edge in seafood exports [Marca Chile].

As of April 2025, Chile remains a top global supplier of Frozen Pacific Salmon, leveraging its aquaculture expertise and regulatory alignment with key markets like the EU and U.S. Market vigilance is essential to navigate evolving origin rules and maintain compliance under the ITA [AWB International].

Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS 030312) 2025 April Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In April 2025, Chile's export of Frozen Pacific Salmon under HS Code 030312 saw a value of $22.47 million and a volume of 9.36 million kilograms, marking a significant decline from previous months.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The monthly trend shows a steady decrease from January to April 2025, with value dropping by 44% and volume by 68% compared to March. This sharp reduction aligns with typical industry cycles for frozen seafood, where export volumes often dip in early second quarter due to seasonal harvesting patterns and inventory drawdowns after peak demand periods. The consistent decline suggests a market adjustment rather than a one-off event, emphasizing the cyclical nature of Chile's Frozen Pacific Salmon exports in 2025.

External Context and Outlook

The interim trade agreement between Chile and the EU, effective from February 1, 2025, aims to reduce tariffs and simplify origin declarations for exports including seafood [Marcachile]. While this policy supports long-term growth, the April slump may reflect transitional adjustments or short-term logistical challenges. Looking ahead, the agreement is expected to stabilize and potentially boost Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon HS Code 030312 Export flows in the latter half of 2025, leveraging Chile's robust trade network.

Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS 030312) 2025 April Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In April 2025, Chile's export of Frozen Pacific Salmon under HS Code 030312 shows strong concentration in sub-code 03031220, which covers frozen Pacific salmon excluding fillets and specific offal. According to yTrade data, this sub-code dominates with over 95% of the export value and weight share, and a unit price of $2.42 per kg. A minor sub-code, 03031210, has a lower unit price of $2.10 per kg and a small share, while an anomaly with sub-code 03031290 at $0.00 per kg is isolated from the main analysis.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-anomalous sub-codes, 03031220 and 03031210, both represent bulk frozen Pacific salmon with similar product forms, indicating a trade in fungible commodities rather than differentiated goods. The slight price difference suggests possible grade or quality variations, but the overall structure is homogeneous and likely tied to global commodity indices for frozen fish exports.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon HS Code 030312 Export 2025 April, the commodity-based structure means limited pricing power, with prices influenced by market supply and demand. Exporters should prioritize cost efficiency and volume management to compete effectively, as opportunities for value addition appear minimal based on the current grade differentiation.

Check Detailed HS 030312 Breakdown

Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS 030312) 2025 April Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In April 2025, Chile's export of Frozen Pacific Salmon HS Code 030312 is heavily concentrated, with Vietnam as the dominant importer by value at 26.55% share, despite a lower weight share of 14.46%. This disparity, where value ratio exceeds weight ratio, points to Vietnam sourcing higher-grade, premium products with a higher unit price, estimated around 4.42 USD/kg based on the data. Japan, while the largest by weight at 26.69%, has a lower value ratio of 10.11%, indicating bulk purchases at a lower unit price near 0.91 USD/kg, typical for commodity processing markets.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top importers form three clear clusters: first, Vietnam and China Taiwan, with high value per weight, likely driven by demand for premium salmon in urban markets and high-end food services. Second, Japan, with high volume but lower value per weight, suggests bulk buying for processing into value-added products or mass retail. Third, countries like Thailand and UAE, with moderate shares, may represent emerging or niche markets where Chile's salmon is gaining traction due to competitive pricing or trade agreements.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Chile, maintaining strong relationships with premium markets like Vietnam is key, requiring consistent quality control and reliable supply chains. Expanding into bulk markets like Japan may involve optimizing logistics for cost efficiency. Diversifying into emerging clusters could hedge against market volatility, but must align with Chile's export strengths and existing trade networks.

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Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS 030312) 2025 April Export: Action Plan for Frozen Pacific Salmon Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon Export 2025 April under HS Code 030312 operates as a bulk commodity trade. Prices are driven by product grade and global demand shifts. High-value markets like Vietnam pay premium prices for quality, while volume buyers like Japan focus on lower-cost bulk purchases. The supply chain must ensure consistent quality for premium segments and cost-efficient logistics for high-volume clients. Extreme buyer concentration on a few large, frequent importers creates revenue stability but also vulnerability to demand changes.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Frozen Pacific Salmon Market Execution

• Segment buyers by order frequency and value using trade data. This allows for customized contract terms and proactive relationship management with high-volume clients, securing stable revenue.
• Align production and shipping schedules with the purchasing cycles of dominant buyers. This prevents inventory overstock and reduces storage costs, optimizing cash flow.
• Prioritize quality control and certification for exports to premium markets like Vietnam. This justifies higher unit prices and strengthens Chile's reputation for reliable, high-grade salmon.
• Diversify into emerging markets identified in trade data, such as Thailand or UAE. This reduces dependency on a few large buyers and hedges against market-specific demand shocks.
• Leverage tariff advantages under the EU-Chile Trade Agreement for potential new EU clients. This lowers import costs for buyers and can make Chilean salmon more competitive in premium markets.

Take Action Now —— Explore Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon Export 2025 April?

The sharp 44% decline in value and 68% drop in volume from March reflects seasonal harvesting patterns and inventory adjustments, typical for frozen seafood exports in early

Q2.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon Export 2025 April?

Vietnam (26.55% value share) and Japan (26.69% weight share) dominate, with Vietnam sourcing premium-grade salmon and Japan buying bulk for processing.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon Export 2025 April partner countries?

Prices vary by product grade: Vietnam pays $4.42/kg for high-value salmon (sub-code 03031220), while Japan buys at $0.91/kg for bulk commodity-grade salmon.

Q4. What should exporters in Chile focus on in the current Frozen Pacific Salmon export market?

Prioritize long-term contracts with high-volume buyers (100% of export value) and maintain quality for premium markets like Vietnam to mitigate reliance on few clients.

Q5. What does this Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Buyers in Vietnam benefit from stable premium supply, while Japanese processors secure cost-efficient bulk purchases. Both face low competition due to extreme market concentration.

Q6. How is Frozen Pacific Salmon typically used in this trade flow?

The homogeneous, bulk-frozen form (sub-code 03031220) suggests primary use in commodity processing or mass retail, with minor premium-grade demand for high-end food services.