Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon HS030312 Export Data 2025 Q2 Overview

Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS 030312) 2025 Q2 Export: Key Takeaways

Chile’s Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS Code 030312) exports in Q2 2025 reveal a premium-driven market, with high-value Asian destinations like Vietnam paying elevated unit prices for quality salmon, while Japan dominates volume purchases. Geographic concentration is strong, with Vietnam leading as the top partner by value, signaling demand for premium-grade product. The Chile-EU Interim Trade Agreement further diversifies opportunities, particularly in Poland. This analysis, covering Q2 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS 030312) 2025 Q2 Export Background

What is HS Code 030312?

HS Code 030312 refers to Frozen Pacific Salmon (Oncorhynchus species, excluding sockeye salmon, fillets, and offal). This product is a staple in global seafood markets, primarily used in food processing, retail, and hospitality industries. Demand remains stable due to its nutritional value and versatility in prepared meals, making it a key export commodity for Chile.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Chile’s Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS Code 030312) exports in Q2 2025 benefit from the Chile-EU Interim Trade Agreement, effective February 2025, which eliminates tariffs and simplifies origin certification for EU-bound shipments [FreightAmigo]. However, new VAT rules (19% on all imports) and adjusted de minimis thresholds in key markets like the US may impact importer costs [KMDelivered]. Chile’s strategic position as a leading salmon exporter underscores the need for vigilance in compliance with evolving trade policies to maintain competitiveness.

Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS 030312) 2025 Q2 Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In Q2 2025, Chile's exports of Frozen Pacific Salmon under HS Code 030312 saw a total value of approximately 47.5 million USD and a volume of 15.9 million kg, marking a sharp decline from the previous quarter's performance.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Q2 figures represent a significant quarter-over-quarter drop, with value falling from 108.7 million USD in Q1 to 47.5 million USD and volume decreasing from 82.4 million kg to 15.9 million kg. This downturn aligns with typical seasonal patterns for salmon exports, where Q1 often sees higher volumes due to post-harvest processing and stock buildup, while Q2 experiences a lull as fishing cycles slow and inventories normalize. The consistent monthly declines from April to June reinforce this industry-specific rhythm, overshadowing any short-term external shocks.

External Context and Outlook

Despite the seasonal dip, the Chile-EU Interim Trade Agreement [marcachile] effective since February 2025 provides a supportive backdrop by simplifying origin documentation and enhancing tariff access, which may bolster export competitiveness in coming months. Additionally, impending VAT adjustments from October 2025 (kmdelivered) could influence importer costs, but the current Q2 trend remains driven by cyclical demand rather than policy changes.

Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS 030312) 2025 Q2 Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In Q2 2025, Chile's export of Frozen Pacific Salmon under HS Code 030312 is dominated by sub-code 03031220, which represents frozen Pacific salmon excluding certain cuts and offal. This sub-code holds over 90% of the export value and weight, with a unit price of 3.02 USD per kilogram, indicating a strong focus on bulk commodity trade. yTrade data shows one anomalous sub-code, 03031230, with a significantly higher unit price of 12.31 USD per kilogram, which is isolated from the main analysis due to its outlier nature.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-anomalous sub-codes, primarily 03031220 and 03031210, form a homogeneous group with unit prices around 3 USD per kilogram, suggesting a trade in standardized, bulk frozen salmon. This structure points to a fungible commodity market where products are largely undifferentiated and likely tied to global price indices, with minimal value-add stages such as processing or grading beyond basic freezing.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon HS Code 030312 Export 2025 Q2, the bulk commodity nature implies limited pricing power for exporters, necessitating a strategic focus on cost efficiency and volume scaling to compete in price-sensitive markets. Players should prioritize supply chain optimization and market diversification to mitigate risks associated with commodity price fluctuations.

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Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS 030312) 2025 Q2 Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In Q2 2025, Chile's export of Frozen Pacific Salmon HS Code 030312 shows strong geographic concentration, with VIETNAM as the dominant partner by value. VIETNAM's value ratio of 20.18% is higher than its weight ratio of 14.46%, meaning the unit price is elevated, which points to premium-grade salmon being shipped to this market.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top partners form two clear clusters. First, high-value markets like VIETNAM, CHINA TAIWAN, and PHILIPPINES all have value ratios above weight ratios, signaling demand for quality salmon, likely due to strong consumer preferences in Asia. Second, volume-focused markets such as JAPAN show a high weight ratio but lower value ratio, suggesting bulk purchases for processing or mass consumption in Japan's large seafood sector.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Exporters should prioritize high-value Asian markets for better margins, while managing costs for volume deals in Japan. The Chile-EU Interim Trade Agreement effective February 2025 [Marcachile] supports growth in EU countries like Poland, already a top 10 partner, by easing origin rules and cutting tariffs (Marcachile). This agreement helps diversify exports and secure preferential access.

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Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon (HS 030312) 2025 Q2 Export: Action Plan for Frozen Pacific Salmon Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon Export 2025 Q2 under HS Code 030312 operates as a bulk commodity market. Price is driven by global indices and basic product grade, not value-added processing. High buyer concentration with frequent, large-volume importers creates reliance on a few key customers. Geographically, Asia dominates, with Vietnam and China Taiwan paying premium prices for quality, while Japan focuses on volume. This structure implies supply chain risks from buyer dependency and commodity price swings. Exporters must prioritize cost-efficient, high-volume logistics to serve bulk buyers and secure margins.

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

• Target high-value Asian markets like Vietnam and China Taiwan with premium product grades. Use trade data to identify partners with higher value-to-weight ratios for better margins. This maximizes returns in a commodity-driven market.
• Secure long-term contracts with high-frequency, high-volume buyers to ensure stable demand. Analyze buyer purchase patterns to lock in reliable orders. This reduces vulnerability to order fluctuations from key customers.
• Leverage the Chile-EU Interim Trade Agreement to grow exports to EU countries like Poland. Review tariff rules and origin requirements to access preferential terms. This diversifies markets and cuts costs for new growth.
• Optimize supply chain costs for volume shipments to Japan and other bulk-focused partners. Use logistics data to streamline shipping and storage for high-weight, lower-margin deals. This maintains competitiveness in price-sensitive segments.
• Monitor global salmon price indices and adjust sales timing to capture peak demand periods. Track commodity trends to avoid low-price cycles. This protects margins in a fungible product market.

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 Q2?

The sharp decline in Q2 2025 exports (47.5M USD, 15.9M kg) reflects seasonal patterns, with post-harvest highs in Q1 followed by a cyclical lull. The bulk commodity nature of the trade, dominated by standardized frozen salmon, further amplifies volume volatility.

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

Vietnam leads with 20.18% of export value, followed by China Taiwan and the Philippines, all showing premium demand. Japan is a volume-focused market, with high weight but lower value ratios.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Chile Frozen Pacific Salmon Export 2025 Q2 partner countries?

Price differences stem from market specialization: Vietnam pays premiums for quality salmon (12.31 USD/kg for sub-code 03031230), while Japan buys bulk commodity-grade salmon at ~3 USD/kg (sub-code 03031220).

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

Exporters must prioritize high-volume buyers (99.19% of trade value) and target high-value Asian markets like Vietnam, leveraging the Chile-EU trade agreement to diversify.

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

Buyers in Vietnam/China Taiwan benefit from premium-grade supply, while Japanese buyers secure cost-efficient bulk shipments. High buyer concentration ensures stable supply for major importers.

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

The trade is dominated by undifferentiated, bulk frozen salmon (sub-code 03031220), primarily for mass consumption or processing, with limited value-add beyond basic freezing.

Detailed Monthly Report

Chile HS030312 Export Snapshot 2025 APR

Chile HS030312 Export Snapshot 2025 MAY

Chile HS030312 Export Snapshot 2025 JUN