Chile Iodine HS280120 Export Data 2025 May Overview

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

Chile's iodine exports (HS Code 280120) in May 2025 show China as the dominant buyer, absorbing 28.89% of export value, with bulk commodity-grade shipments priced around $37.46/kg. The market remains highly concentrated, with China, the Netherlands, and the U.S. accounting for over 90% of volume, posing supply chain risks. Smaller buyers like Argentina and Vietnam indicate niche demand but lack scale. This analysis covers May 2025 and is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Chile Iodine (HS 280120) 2025 May Export Background

What is HS Code 280120?

HS Code 280120 refers to Iodine, an inorganic chemical widely used in pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and industrial applications. Its global demand remains stable due to its critical role in medical imaging, water treatment, and food additives. Chile is a key producer, leveraging its natural reserves to supply international markets, particularly in Asia and Europe.

Current Context and Strategic Position

As of May 2025, Chile’s Iodine exports under HS Code 280120 continue under standard customs procedures, with no recent policy changes reported [TradeIME]. However, the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement, effective since February 2025, now requires exporters to include Tax Identification Numbers (RUT) for preferential tariff claims [EU Taxation]. Chile’s strategic position as a top iodine exporter underscores the need for market vigilance, especially amid evolving trade frameworks. Monitoring 2025 export trends and compliance updates is essential for stakeholders in this sector.

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

Key Observations

In May 2025, Chile's iodine exports under HS Code 280120 reached 104.84 million USD in value and 2.15 million kg in volume, marking a moderation from the elevated levels seen in the previous months. This performance reflects a typical post-first quarter adjustment in the chemical export sector, where initial annual stock replenishment often peaks early.

Price and Volume Dynamics

Compared to April 2025, both value and volume declined by approximately 19% and 16%, respectively, indicating a return to more normalized trading patterns after a strong Q1 surge. The high exports in March and April—with values exceeding 129 million USD—likely stemmed from seasonal stockpiling for industrial and pharmaceutical applications, common in iodine markets due to its use in disinfectants and nutrition products. This cyclical drop in May aligns with expected inventory drawdowns following peak demand periods, rather than any fundamental shift in supply or demand dynamics.

External Context and Outlook

The stability in Chile's iodine export framework is supported by ongoing trade agreements, such as the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement [FreightAmigo], which requires origin documentation but imposes no new restrictions. With no disruptive policy changes reported in May (FreightAmigo), the outlook remains steady, driven by consistent global demand for iodine in healthcare and industrial sectors, though currency fluctuations or broader economic conditions could influence future trends.

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

Product Specialization and Concentration

In May 2025, Chile's export of Iodine under HS Code 280120 is entirely concentrated on a single product type, Iodine (HS 28012000), with no other sub-codes present. According to yTrade data, this code represents 100% of the export value at 104.84 million USD and 100% of the weight at 2.15 million kilograms, indicating a highly specialized market. The unit price is stable at 48.85 USD per kilogram, showing no price anomalies or variations.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

With only one sub-code for Chile Iodine HS Code 280120 Export in May 2025, the structure points to a homogeneous, bulk commodity trade. Iodine is likely exported in a standard, undifferentiated form, such as raw or basic chemical grade, without evidence of value-add stages like processed or branded products. This suggests it is fungible and potentially tied to global chemical indices rather than being a differentiated good.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The单一 product focus means pricing power for Chile Iodine exports under HS Code 280120 in May 2025 is driven by commodity market dynamics, such as supply and demand shifts, rather than product uniqueness. Supported by the lack of recent policy changes [FreightAmigo], exporters should prioritize cost control and monitoring international price trends to maintain competitiveness.

Check Detailed HS 280120 Breakdown

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

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In May 2025, Chile's iodine exports under HS Code 280120 show strong geographic concentration, with China Mainland as the dominant partner, accounting for 28.89% of export value and 37.67% of weight. The lower value ratio compared to weight ratio suggests China imports lower-unit-price bulk iodine, typical for commodity-grade products, with an estimated unit price around 37.46 USD/kg based on the data.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top partners form two clear clusters: high-volume buyers like China, Netherlands, United States, Norway, and India, which together represent over 90% of weight, likely due to their large industrial or chemical sectors needing raw materials. A second cluster includes smaller, infrequent buyers such as Argentina, Belgium, Vietnam, and United Kingdom, possibly reflecting niche or trial shipments for specialized uses, with lower quantities and values.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Chile's iodine exports, maintaining stable supply to major buyers like China is key, while exploring growth in markets covered by trade agreements, such as the EU under the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement which requires compliance with origin rules [EU Taxation and Customs]. Diversifying into smaller markets could reduce reliance on a few partners, leveraging Chile's strong export position in this commodity.

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

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Chile Iodine Export 2025 May under HS Code 280120 operates as a pure commodity market. Price is driven by global supply-demand shifts and bulk-grade quality, not product differentiation. Supply chain implications focus on secure, high-volume logistics to major industrial buyers, with high reliance on a few partners creating vulnerability.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Iodine Market Execution

• Monitor real-time global iodine price indices using trade data platforms. This ensures timely price adjustments to protect margins against commodity swings.
• Analyze buyer purchase frequency patterns to forecast demand cycles. This prevents overstock or shortages, optimizing inventory management.
• Use geographic trade data to identify and target new buyers in EU markets under the EU-Chile agreement. This diversifies revenue streams and reduces dependency on a single region.
• Track competitor export volumes and grades to benchmark pricing strategies. This maintains competitiveness in the bulk commodity segment.
• Implement supply chain audits focusing on cost-efficient logistics for high-volume shipments. This controls operational expenses and enhances profit stability.

Take Action Now —— Explore Chile Iodine Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Chile's iodine exports in May 2025 saw a 19% decline in value and 16% in volume compared to April, reflecting a post-Q1 seasonal adjustment after peak demand for industrial and pharmaceutical stockpiling.

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

China dominates with 28.89% of export value, followed by the Netherlands, United States, Norway, and India, which collectively account for over 90% of shipment weight.

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

Price variations stem from bulk commodity-grade trade, with China paying a lower unit price (~37.46 USD/kg) due to high-volume purchases of undifferentiated iodine.

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

Exporters must prioritize contracts with dominant high-volume buyers (94% of trade value) while diversifying into smaller markets to reduce reliance on a few partners.

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

Major buyers like China benefit from stable bulk supply, while niche buyers face limited influence, representing just 6% of trade value.

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

Chile’s iodine is traded as a homogeneous bulk chemical, likely for industrial or pharmaceutical applications like disinfectants and nutritional products.