Chile - India Trade 2025 Q1: Resource-for-Tech Surplus

Key Market Takeaways: Chile - India Trade

The bilateral trade relationship between Chile and India shows growth amid high volatility in Q1 2025.

• Economic Pulse: Chile maintains a $212.21M trade surplus with India ($562.07M exports vs. $349.86M imports), though both sides face sharp monthly swings in demand.
• Exchange Structure: Chile - India trade statistics reveal a resource-for-tech complementarity—Chile supplies ores (68% of exports) while India delivers vehicles and machinery (22% of imports).
• Strategic Interdependence: The partnership hinges on raw material supply chains and India’s role as a manufacturing hub, creating a balanced but uneven trade dynamic.

This bilateral trade snapshot is based on verified customs data from the yTrade database.

Chile-India Trade Trend in Q1 2025

Chile Export Performance: Shipments to India

• Total Volume: $562.07M in Q1 2025.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • YoY growth was mixed, with January up 26.62% but February plummeting -81.9%. March rebounded sharply (+16.81% YoY).
  • Key Volatility: February saw an -82.66% MoM collapse, while March surged 756.41% MoM—extreme month-to-month swings.

Chile Import Performance: Sourcing from India

• Total Volume: $349.86M in Q1 2025.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • YoY trends were uneven: January dipped -9.47%, February jumped 56.54%, and March rose 24.04%.
  • Key Volatility: March dominated with a 41.03% MoM increase, while January started weak (-37.21% MoM).

Chile - India Trade Balance & Market Dynamics

• Net Position: Chile held a trade surplus of $212.21M (Exports: $562.07M > Imports: $349.86M).
• Relationship Status: Chile maintains a clear net exporter role, with exports to India outpacing imports by 61%. Volatility in both directions suggests uneven demand or supply chain adjustments.

Chile Import Trend from India 2025 Q1 (Source: yTrade)**

Chile Export Trend to India 2025 Q1 (Source: yTrade)**

Get Historical Chile India Trade Records

Chile-India Top Trading Products in Q1 2025

Chile Export Profile: What Does Chile Sell to India

• Top Commodity: Rank #1 export is HS 26 (Ores, slag, and ash) at 68.35% of total exports to India.
• Demand Driver: India uses these raw materials for industrial processing, likely in steel production or other heavy industries.
• Concentration: Trade is highly concentrated, with HS 26 alone accounting for over two-thirds of exports.

Chile Import Profile: What Does Chile Buy from India

• Top Commodity: Rank #1 import is HS 87 (Vehicles) at 22.43% of total imports from India.
• Dependency Nature: Imports are dominated by manufactured goods (vehicles, machinery, pharmaceuticals), indicating reliance on India for industrial and consumer products.

Chile - India Trade Relationship Dynamics

• The Exchange Model: Resource-for-Tech Complementarity—Chile exports raw materials (ores) to India, while India supplies manufactured goods (vehicles, machinery, pharmaceuticals) to Chile.
• Value Chain Position: India holds the higher value-add position, exporting finished products, while Chile primarily supplies raw materials.

Import Analysis by Product: India to Chile (Source: yTrade)

Export Analysis by Product: Chile to India (Source: yTrade)

Check Detailed Chile-India Trade HS Code Breakdown

Future Outlook & Strategic Recommendations

Forecast for Chile-India Trade

Chile’s trade surplus with India is likely to persist in Q2 2025, driven by sustained demand for ores (HS 26) from India’s industrial sector. However, extreme monthly volatility in exports signals potential supply chain disruptions or pricing instability, requiring proactive risk management. Imports of Indian vehicles (HS 87) and machinery will remain critical, but Chile should prepare for price fluctuations amid global manufacturing shifts. The Chile-India trade forecast hinges on stabilizing raw material shipments and diversifying beyond the current heavy reliance on ores.

Strategic Moves for Traders & Policymakers

• Lock in long-term ore contracts: Chilean exporters must secure multi-year agreements with Indian steel producers to mitigate price swings and ensure stable revenue streams.
• Diversify export baskets: Reduce over-dependence on HS 26 by accelerating shipments of lithium, fresh fruit, or wine—high-potential sectors where Chile holds a competitive edge.
• Optimize logistics for Indian imports: Streamline customs clearance and port efficiency to handle surges in vehicle and machinery imports, avoiding bottlenecks that could inflate costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Chile - India trade perform in 2025 Q1?

Chile's exports to India totaled $562.07M, while imports from India reached $349.86M in Q1 2025. Growth was volatile, with sharp YoY swings in both exports and imports.

What are the top exports from Chile to India?

The top export from Chile to India is HS 26 (Ores, slag, and ash), accounting for 68.35% of total exports, driven by India's industrial demand for raw materials.

What does Chile import from India?

Chile's top import from India is HS 87 (Vehicles), making up 22.43% of total imports, reflecting India's strength in manufactured goods.

What is the trade balance between Chile and India?

Chile recorded a trade surplus of $212.21M with India in Q1 2025, as exports outpaced imports by 61%. Volatility suggests uneven demand or supply chain adjustments.