2025 Chile Fish flour (HS 230120) Export: Price Volatility

Key Takeaways

Fish flour, classified under HS Code 230120 (Flours, meals and pellets; of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates), exhibited pronounced volatility from January to September 2025.

• Market Pulse: Prices swung sharply, peaking at $0.71/kg in February before a mid-year recovery to $0.20/kg in July, while export weight peaked in May (45.29M kg) before declining.
• Structural Shift: Chile Fish flour Export relies heavily on the US (61.05% of value), creating exposure to demand shifts, while China absorbs nearly half the volume (49.57% weight share) at lower margins.
• Product Logic: HS Code 230120 trade data reveals a commodity-driven structure, with sub-code 23012011 dominating (48% of value) and unit prices ranging 11x between grades (from $0.06 to $0.68/kg).

This overview covers the period from January to September 2025 and is based on verified customs data from the yTrade database.

Chile Fish Flour (HS Code 230120) Key Metrics Trend

Market Trend Summary

The Chile fish flour export trend from January to September 2025 exhibited pronounced volatility, characterized by a sharp price spike in February to $0.71/kg and a subsequent mid-year recovery in July to $0.20/kg. Export weight peaked in May at 45.29 million kg but declined through September, while value fluctuated widely, dropping to a low in June before rebounding.

Drivers & Industry Context

The July price surge of 134% month-on-month correlates with market reports of a rebound from June's low of $0.08/kg, driven by robust demand from US and Chinese buyers paying premium prices [yTrade]. Fluctuations in hs code 230120 value were amplified by volume shifts and trade dynamics under the US-Chile Free Trade Agreement, which supports duty preferences for key markets (yTrade).

Table: Chile Fish Flour Export Trend (Source: yTrade)

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Chile HS Code 230120 Export Breakdown

Market Composition & Top Categories

According to yTrade data, Chile's HS Code 230120 export of fish flour is dominated by sub-code 23012011, which accounts for 48% of the total export value throughout the first three quarters of 2025. The next two sub-codes, 23012012 and 23012013, collectively represent over 85% of the remaining value, with minor codes contributing insignificantly. This structure highlights a concentrated market for Chile HS Code 230120 Export, centered on a few key product variants.

Value Chain & Strategic Insights

Unit prices range from 0.06 to 0.68 USD per kilogram, with the highest-priced sub-code commanding over 11 times the value of the lowest, indicating clear grade differentiation in fish flour. This HS Code 230120 breakdown reveals a commodity-driven trade structure where pricing is acutely sensitive to product form and quality, rather than value-added specialization. Exporters should focus on cost efficiency and grade optimization to compete effectively in this market.

Check Detailed HS Code 230120 Breakdown

Chile Fish Flour Destination Countries

Geographic Concentration & Market Risk

Chile's fish flour exports in the first three quarters of 2025 show extreme geographic concentration. The United States is the dominant partner, accounting for 61.05% of total export value. This heavy reliance on a single market creates significant exposure to any shifts in US demand or trade policy for Chile Fish flour export destinations.

Purchasing Behavior & Demand Segmentation

The US market exhibits quality-conscious demand for high-value specifications, with its value share (61.05%) dramatically exceeding its weight share (14.41%). In contrast, China represents price-sensitive bulk processing, carrying nearly half the volume (49.57% weight share) but only 7.78% of the value. This divergence defines two distinct trade partners for Fish flour: the US offers margin potential while China provides volume scale.

Table: Chile Fish Flour (HS Code 230120) Top Destination Countries (Source: yTrade)

Get Chile Fish Flour (HS Code 230120) Complete Destination Countries Profile

Action Plan for Fish Flour Market Operation and Expansion

• Diversify export markets: Reduce reliance on the US by targeting emerging markets with quality-conscious demand to mitigate geopolitical or trade policy risks.
• Optimize product grades: Focus on high-value sub-codes (e.g., 23012011) for the US market and bulk-grade efficiency for China to align with buyer segmentation.
• Hedge price volatility: Lock in contracts during predictable price rebounds (e.g., July’s 134% surge) to stabilize margins amid erratic monthly swings.
• Audit logistics costs: For bulk shipments to China, negotiate freight rates or packaging efficiencies to offset thin margins from price-sensitive buyers.
• Monitor trade agreements: Leverage duty preferences under the US-Chile FTA to maintain competitiveness in the premium segment.

Take Action Now —— Explore Chile Fish flour HS Code 230120 Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Chile Fish flour Export in 2025?

Chile's fish flour exports in 2025 show sharp volatility, with prices spiking to $0.71/kg in February and rebounding in July. This reflects demand shifts from key markets like the US and China, amplified by volume fluctuations under the US-Chile Free Trade Agreement.

Q2. Who are the main destination countries of Chile Fish flour (HS Code 230120) in 2025?

The US dominates with 61.05% of export value, followed by China at 7.78%. These two markets account for nearly 70% of Chile’s fish flour trade, highlighting extreme geographic concentration.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across destination countries of Chile Fish flour Export in 2025?

Prices range from $0.06 to $0.68/kg due to grade differentiation. The US pays premiums for high-value specifications, while China buys bulk volumes at lower prices, reflecting distinct demand segments.

Q4. What should exporters in Chile focus on in the current Fish flour export market?

Exporters should prioritize cost efficiency and grade optimization, as the market is commodity-driven with acute price sensitivity. Diversifying beyond the US could mitigate reliance on a single high-value buyer.

Q5. What does this Chile Fish flour export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

US buyers face stable high-quality supply but risk price volatility, while Chinese buyers benefit from bulk volume at lower costs, though with lower margins.

Q6. How is Fish flour typically used in this trade flow?

Fish flour is primarily traded as a commodity for animal feed or aquaculture, with grades differentiated by protein content and processing quality.

Detailed Monthly and Quarterly Report

Chile HS Code 230120 Export Data Snapshot 2025 MAR

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