Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon HS030312 Export Data 2025 February Overview

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

Chile's Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS Code 030312) exports in February 2025 reveal a bulk commodity trade dominated by Japan, which accounts for 61.20% of the value and 70.15% of the weight, signaling high buyer concentration and reliance on unprocessed shipments. Southeast Asian markets like Vietnam show higher unit prices, suggesting demand for premium cuts, while distant buyers remain niche. This analysis, covering February 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

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

Chile's Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS Code 030312) refers to frozen fish from Pacific salmon species, excluding sockeye salmon, fillets, and offal, serving global food processing and retail sectors due to its versatility and shelf stability. With the Chile-EU Interim Trade Agreement in force since February 2025, tariff-free access and simplified origin procedures [Marcachile] boost competitiveness for Chilean exports, reinforcing the country's role as a key supplier of high-quality seafood to international markets in 2025.

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

Key Observations

In February 2025, Chile's exports of Frozen Pacific Salmon under HS Code 030312 reached $37.41 million in value and 30.25 million kilograms in volume, showing a slight increase in volume but a notable decrease in value compared to the previous month.

Price and Volume Dynamics

Month-over-month, the value of Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon HS Code 030312 Export dropped by approximately 7.3% from January's $40.36 million, while volume edged up by 0.3% to 30.25 million kg. This decline in unit price aligns with typical industry patterns where increased export volumes, possibly due to stock releases or seasonal fishing cycles, can pressure prices. The stability in volume suggests consistent production, but the value dip indicates competitive pricing or market adjustments.

External Context and Outlook

The Chile-EU Interim Trade Agreement, which took effect on February 1, 2025 [Marcachile], likely contributed to this trend by expanding tariff-free access for Chilean seafood, including Frozen Pacific Salmon. This agreement may have incentivized higher export volumes but introduced price competition, as seen in the value decrease. Looking ahead, continued benefits from reduced tariffs under this pact (Marcachile) could support volume growth, though price volatility may persist amid global demand shifts.

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

Product Specialization and Concentration

In February 2025, Chile's export of Frozen Pacific Salmon under HS Code 030312 is overwhelmingly dominated by sub-code 03031220, which represents frozen Pacific salmon excluding fillets and certain offal, capturing over 90% of both value and weight. This sub-code's unit price of 1.29 USD per kilogram is significantly lower than other variants, indicating a strong specialization in bulk, lower-value frozen salmon. An anomalous sub-code, 03031290, with a unit price of 0.00 USD per kilogram, is isolated from the main analysis due to its zero value contribution.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining non-anomalous sub-codes can be grouped into two categories based on unit price: mid-grade products like 03031210 at 2.16 USD per kilogram and 03031240 at 3.20 USD per kilogram, and a high-grade product, 03031230, at 11.60 USD per kilogram. This structure shows a clear differentiation in quality or processing stages, moving beyond pure bulk commodity trade towards more value-added, differentiated goods, though the market remains heavily weighted towards the standard bulk variant.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon HS Code 030312 Export 2025 February, the high concentration in low-priced bulk product limits overall pricing power, but the presence of higher-value grades offers strategic focus on premium segments for increased margins. The recent Chile-EU trade agreement, which enhances tariff-free access for seafood, supports opportunities for expanding these higher-value exports [FreightAmigo]. Exporters should prioritize quality differentiation to leverage improved market access under this agreement.

Check Detailed HS 030312 Breakdown

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

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In February 2025, Chile's export of Frozen Pacific Salmon HS Code 030312 is heavily concentrated, with Japan dominating as the top importer, accounting for 61.20% of the total value and 70.15% of the weight. The lower value ratio compared to weight ratio suggests a bulk commodity trade with a relatively lower unit price, around 1.08 USD/kg, indicating that Japan primarily sources unprocessed or standard-grade salmon from Chile for high-volume consumption.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The importers form three clear clusters: first, Japan stands alone due to its massive scale and frequent shipments, driven by strong demand and geographic proximity. Second, Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam, Taiwan, and Thailand show moderate volumes with higher value ratios (e.g., Vietnam at 9.29 value vs. 6.21 weight ratio), implying they may import slightly processed or premium cuts. Third, distant markets such as Poland, Brazil, and Canada have smaller, sporadic orders, likely due to niche demand or specific trade connections rather than bulk needs.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Chile, maintaining cost-efficient, bulk shipping to Asia is key, while exploring opportunities in markets with trade agreements, such as the EU, could diversify exports [FreightAmigo]. Suppliers should focus on reliable logistics for high-frequency partners like Japan and consider value-added processing for clusters with higher unit prices to maximize returns in the Frozen Pacific Salmon trade.

Get Complete Partner Countries Profile

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

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon Export 2025 February for HS Code 030312 operates as a bulk commodity trade. Price is driven by two factors: the dominance of low-value, high-volume frozen salmon (over 90% of exports) and the limited presence of premium, higher-priced grades. Geopolitical access, like the Chile-EU trade agreement, supports premium opportunities. The supply chain must prioritize cost-efficient, high-frequency logistics for bulk partners like Japan, while enabling flexibility for value-added processing to serve niche, higher-margin markets.

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

• Focus export growth on premium HS sub-codes like 03031230. Use shipment data to identify buyers in markets with higher unit prices, such as Southeast Asia. This shifts volume from bulk to value-added products, increasing margins.
• Diversify buyer portfolio using transaction frequency analysis. Target occasional large buyers with tailored bulk offers to reduce over-reliance on top partners. This secures additional revenue without disrupting core high-frequency relationships.
• Optimize logistics for Asian routes with high-volume partners. Analyze shipping data to consolidate shipments to Japan and neighboring countries. This cuts freight costs per unit for bulk trade, preserving competitiveness.
• Leverage trade agreement benefits for EU market entry. Use customs data to identify EU buyers interested in premium salmon cuts under tariff-free access. This opens new revenue streams in regulated, high-value markets.

Forward-Looking Risk and Data Advantage

Over-reliance on Japan and bulk-grade salmon creates vulnerability to demand shifts or price pressure. Traditional trade analysis misses sub-code and buyer behavior details. Data on individual buyer patterns and product grades allows precise targeting of premium niches, turning commodity volume into value-driven growth.

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 February?

The slight volume increase (0.3%) but notable value drop (7.3%) reflects competitive pricing pressure, likely due to expanded tariff-free access under the Chile-EU trade agreement incentivizing higher exports.

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

Japan dominates with 61.20% of export value, followed by Southeast Asian markets like Vietnam (9.29%) and Taiwan, which import higher-value cuts.

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

Price gaps stem from product specialization: Japan buys bulk frozen salmon (1.08 USD/kg), while Vietnam and others purchase premium grades like sub-code 03031230 (11.60 USD/kg).

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

Prioritize relationships with high-volume buyers (89.36% of value) and explore premium segments (e.g., EU markets) to offset reliance on bulk trade.

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

Japan benefits from stable bulk supply, while Southeast Asian buyers access differentiated products. Distant markets face sporadic availability due to niche demand.

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

Most exports (90% by volume) are low-value frozen whole salmon for mass consumption, with a smaller share processed into premium cuts or fillets.