Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon HS030312 Export Data 2025 May Overview

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

Chile's Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS Code 030312) exports in May 2025 reveal a market split between bulk processing and premium retail demand, with Japan dominating volume (32.82% of weight) at lower unit prices while Vietnam, China Taiwan, Philippines, and South Korea drive higher-value sales. Buyer concentration is high in Asia, creating both opportunity and risk, with Japan acting as a regional hub for redistribution. This analysis, covering May 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

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

What is HS Code 030312?

HS Code 030312 covers Frozen Pacific Salmon, specifically fish of the species Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, keta, tschawytscha, kisutch, masou, and rhodurus, excluding sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), fillets, fish meat of HS 0304, and edible offal. This product is a staple in global seafood trade, driven by demand from food processing, retail, and hospitality sectors due to its versatility and nutritional value. Chile’s Frozen Pacific Salmon Export under this code is a key contributor to its aquaculture sector, leveraging the country’s extensive Pacific coastline and sustainable fishing practices.

Current Context and Strategic Position

The EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement (AIC), effective February 2025, enhances market access for Chilean exports, including frozen seafood, by phasing out tariffs on 96.5% of products over seven years [Carey.cl]. Exporters must include their RUT (Tax ID) on origin certifications for EU shipments, streamlining compliance [EU Taxation Customs]. Chile’s Frozen Pacific Salmon HS Code 030312 Export in May 2025 benefits from these preferential terms, reinforcing its position as a competitive supplier. Market participants should monitor Chile’s customs updates and EU demand trends for strategic planning.

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

Key Observations

In May 2025, Chile's export of Frozen Pacific Salmon under HS Code 030312 reached a value of 14.78 million USD and a volume of 4.31 million kg, reflecting a notable downturn from earlier in the year.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The sequential decline from January to May 2025, with value dropping by over 60% and weight by nearly 85%, points to strong seasonal influences in salmon harvesting and export cycles. Typically, reduced fishing activity post-peak seasons leads to lower output, explaining the sharp MoM fall from April to May. This pattern aligns with industry norms where supply tightens ahead of potential replenishment phases.

External Context and Outlook

The EU-Chile trade agreement [New trade agreement between Chile and the European Union] promises enhanced market access with tariff reductions, which could support future recoveries for Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon HS Code 030312 Export in 2025 May. However, current volatility may stem from transitional adjustments or global demand shifts, underscoring the need for monitoring trade flows under the new framework (Carey).

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

Product Specialization and Concentration

The Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon HS Code 030312 export in May 2025 is highly concentrated in sub-code 03031220, which involves frozen Pacific salmon excluding fillets and specific offal. This sub-code holds over 90% of the export value and weight, with a unit price of 3.51 USD per kilogram, indicating a standard bulk product. According to yTrade data, an extreme price anomaly exists in sub-code 03031230 at 12.31 USD per kilogram, which is isolated from the main analysis due to its outlier status.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-anomalous sub-codes, such as 03031210 with a unit price of 3.20 USD per kilogram, form a consistent group representing frozen salmon in bulk form. This minimal price variation and identical product descriptions suggest a trade in fungible bulk commodities, likely driven by volume and market indices rather than significant value-add or grade differentiation.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The high concentration in a single sub-code implies that dominant Chilean exporters have substantial pricing power in the frozen salmon market. The recent EU-Chile trade agreement, which facilitates tariff-free access for many products [Carey.cl], could support expanded export opportunities, reinforcing the strategic focus on maintaining bulk supply efficiency and leveraging trade advantages.

Check Detailed HS 030312 Breakdown

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

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In May 2025, Chile's export of Frozen Pacific Salmon HS Code 030312 was heavily concentrated in Asia, with Japan as the dominant importer by weight, accounting for 32.82% of total weight but only 15.81% of value, indicating a lower unit price and suggesting bulk purchases of standard-grade product for processing or mass consumption.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The importers form two clear clusters: Japan stands alone with high volume but low value per kg, likely due to its role as a processing hub for redistribution. Vietnam, China Taiwan, Philippines, and South Korea show higher value ratios, pointing to direct consumption in premium retail markets, possibly driven by demand for higher-quality salmon.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Chilean exporters should prioritize reliable, high-volume shipments to Japan while enhancing quality controls for Asian premium markets to capitalize on value opportunities. The EU-Chile trade agreement [FreightAmigo] offers potential for diversification, but current focus should remain on established partners due to their dominant roles in May 2025.

Get Complete Partner Countries Profile

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

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon Export 2025 May under HS Code 030312 operates as a bulk commodity market. Price is driven by volume-based trade with Japan as the key processing hub, accepting standard-grade product at lower unit prices. High-value Asian markets like Vietnam and China Taiwan pay premium rates for direct consumption. Supply chain implications focus on securing high-volume shipments to Japan while meeting stricter quality demands from premium buyers. The market's heavy reliance on a few dominant buyers creates vulnerability but offers pricing power through concentrated relationships.

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

• Use HS Code sub-code analysis to track unit price outliers and align pricing strategies with bulk versus premium product flows, preventing revenue leakage from misclassified shipments.
• Leverage buyer frequency data to forecast inventory needs for core high-volume clients, ensuring consistent supply to Japan and avoiding stock shortages or overcapacity.
• Analyze geographic import patterns to prioritize logistics routes for high-value Asian markets, reducing transit times and maximizing freshness for premium pricing.
• Monitor trade agreement developments like the EU-Chile pact to identify new market opportunities, diversifying beyond current Asian concentration to mitigate geopolitical or demand risks.
• Engage low-frequency, high-value buyers with targeted offers during peak demand seasons, capturing spot market premiums without disrupting core volume commitments.

Forward Outlook

The Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon Export 2025 May under HS Code 030312 must balance bulk efficiency with premium market agility. Success depends on data-driven buyer management and geographic diversification, supported by trade agreements.

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 May?

The sharp decline in value (-60%) and volume (-85%) from January to May 2025 reflects seasonal fishing cycles, with reduced post-peak output. The EU-Chile trade agreement may support future recovery but current volatility stems from transitional adjustments.

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

Japan dominates with 32.82% of total weight, while Vietnam, China Taiwan, Philippines, and South Korea form a premium cluster with higher value ratios.

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

Japan’s lower unit price indicates bulk purchases for processing, while premium markets like Vietnam pay higher prices for direct retail consumption.

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

Prioritize high-volume contracts with dominant buyers (98.8% of value) while enhancing quality for premium Asian markets to diversify revenue streams.

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

Japanese buyers benefit from stable bulk supply, while premium-market buyers face competition for higher-grade salmon, requiring strategic sourcing.

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

Over 90% of exports are bulk frozen salmon (sub-code 03031220), primarily for mass processing or redistribution, with minimal value-add differentiation.