Chile Iodine HS280120 Export Data 2025 August Overview

Chile Iodine (HS 280120) 2025 August Export: Key Takeaways

Chile's iodine exports (HS Code 280120) in August 2025 show strong geographic concentration, with China dominating purchases at 39.6% of volume but lower unit prices, signaling bulk-grade trade. The market remains commodity-driven, with industrial buyers like China and India absorbing volume while premium markets (Netherlands, US) command higher value. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, highlights Chile's opportunity to leverage the new EU-Chile trade agreement for diversification beyond bulk buyers.

Chile Iodine (HS 280120) 2025 August Export Background

What is HS Code 280120?

HS Code 280120 classifies iodine and inorganic compounds of iodine, a critical chemical used in pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and industrial applications. Global demand remains stable due to its essential role in healthcare (e.g., antiseptics) and niche industrial processes. Chile, a key producer, leverages its natural resources to supply iodine under this tariff line, with exports tracked under Chile Iodine HS Code 280120 Export 2025 August data.

Current Context and Strategic Position

The EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement (ITA), effective February 2025, introduces new rules of origin for exports, requiring Chilean iodine shipments to the EU to include the exporter’s RUT (Tax ID) in statements of origin [FreightAmigo]. While no August 2025 policy changes directly target iodine, Chile’s export competitiveness hinges on compliance with evolving trade frameworks like the ITA. The country’s strategic position as a top iodine producer underscores the need for vigilance in tariff classifications and trade agreement updates to maintain market access.

Chile Iodine (HS 280120) 2025 August Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Chile's iodine exports under HS Code 280120 surged in August 2025, reaching $141.63 million in value and 3.00 million kg in weight, marking the highest monthly performance this year and reflecting strong overseas demand.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The month-over-month jump from July's $93.41 million and 1.76 million kg indicates a sharp rebound, likely driven by inventory replenishment cycles in pharmaceutical and industrial sectors, where iodine is essential. This volatility aligns with typical export patterns for mineral chemicals, where shipments are often lumpy due to production batch releases and contract timing rather than smooth monthly flows.

External Context and Outlook

The sustained export strength is bolstered by the EU-Chile interim trade agreement effective February 1, 2025, which simplifies origin claims and reduces barriers for Chilean goods entering European markets [KPMG]. This policy support, combined with stable global demand for iodine in healthcare, suggests continued robust performance for Chile's exports in the near term.

Chile Iodine (HS 280120) 2025 August Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In August 2025, Chile's export of Iodine under HS Code 280120 is entirely concentrated on a single product, Iodine (sub-code 28012000), with a unit price of 47.18 USD per kilogram. According to yTrade data, this represents 100% of the export value and weight, indicating no product variety or anomalies within this period.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The export structure consists solely of Iodine, treated as a bulk commodity without differentiation in quality, grade, or form. This points to a fungible trade, likely driven by market indices rather than value-add stages, with no evidence of semi-finished or specialized variants.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For Chile Iodine HS Code 280120 Export in 2025 August, the monolithic product focus suggests Chile holds pricing power as a dominant supplier, but also faces vulnerability to global commodity price swings. Strategic efforts should prioritize cost efficiency and supply chain resilience to leverage this position.

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Chile Iodine (HS 280120) 2025 August Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In August 2025, Chile's iodine exports under HS Code 280120 show strong geographic concentration, with CHINA MAINLAND as the dominant buyer, accounting for 39.60% of weight and 29.96% of value. The lower value ratio compared to weight ratio suggests China purchases lower-grade or bulk iodine at reduced unit prices, around 35.65 USD/kg, indicating a commodity-driven trade pattern focused on volume over premium quality.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top partners form three clusters: China and India import large volumes at lower unit prices, likely for industrial or agricultural uses. Netherlands, United States, and Norway have higher value shares, possibly for pharmaceutical or high-purity applications due to advanced processing needs. Smaller buyers like Australia and Mexico represent niche markets with limited but steady demand for specific iodine derivatives.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Chile's iodine exports, maintaining supply chain reliability and exploring premium markets is key. The new EU-Chile trade agreement [EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement] effective February 2025 offers tariff benefits for exports to the EU (EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement), suggesting a strategic shift towards European partners to diversify beyond bulk buyers and capture higher value segments.

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Chile Iodine (HS 280120) 2025 August Export: Action Plan for Iodine Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Chile Iodine Export 2025 August under HS Code 280120 operates as a pure commodity market. Price is driven by global index fluctuations and bulk buyer demand, particularly from China. Supply chain implications focus on securing reliable extraction and logistics to maintain Chile's role as a key global supplier. Heavy reliance on a few high-volume buyers increases vulnerability to demand shifts.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Iodine Market Execution

• Use transaction frequency data to predict bulk buyer order cycles. This prevents overstock and aligns production with demand.
• Analyze unit prices by destination to identify premium markets like the EU. Target these buyers to increase profit margins.
• Monitor buyer clusters for new or growing segments. Diversify your client base to reduce dependency on a few large buyers.
• Leverage the EU-Chile trade agreement rules for tariff benefits. Ensure compliance to access higher-value markets easily.
• Track global iodine price indices weekly. Adjust your sales strategy quickly to capitalize on price spikes.

Take Action Now —— Explore Chile Iodine Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Chile Iodine Export 2025 August?

Chile's iodine exports surged in August 2025 to $141.63 million, driven by strong global demand, particularly from pharmaceutical and industrial sectors, and supported by the EU-Chile trade agreement simplifying market access.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Chile Iodine Export 2025 August?

China dominates with 39.60% of weight and 29.96% of value, followed by India, Netherlands, and the U.S., which purchase higher-value iodine for specialized applications.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Chile Iodine Export 2025 August partner countries?

Price differences stem from bulk purchases (e.g., China at $35.65/kg) versus premium applications (e.g., Netherlands, U.S.), as Chile exports only one undifferentiated iodine product (HS 28012000).

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

Exporters should prioritize relationships with dominant high-volume buyers (95% of value) while exploring niche markets like the EU to diversify beyond bulk commodity reliance.

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

Buyers in bulk markets (China, India) benefit from stable supply, while premium buyers (EU, U.S.) can leverage Chile’s pricing power for consistent quality in high-purity applications.

Q6. How is Iodine typically used in this trade flow?

Iodine is traded as a bulk commodity for industrial and agricultural uses, with higher-value segments likely supplying pharmaceutical or advanced processing needs.