Chile Iodine HS280120 Export Data 2025 Q3 Overview

Chile Iodine (HS 280120) 2025 Q3 Export: Key Takeaways

Chile Iodine Export 2025 Q3 (HS Code 280120) is dominated by China, which accounts for 40% of volume but pays below-average prices, confirming its bulk commodity status. The market shows tight buyer concentration, with China, the Netherlands, and the U.S. forming the core demand cluster, while niche buyers like India and Norway drive specialized segments. This analysis covers 2025 Q3 and is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Chile Iodine (HS 280120) 2025 Q3 Export Background

What is HS Code 280120?

HS Code 280120 covers iodine and its inorganic or organic compounds, a critical chemical used in pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and industrial applications. Global demand remains stable due to its essential role in healthcare and manufacturing. Chile is a leading exporter, with iodine shipments under this code exceeding $1 billion annually [TradeGov].

Current Context and Strategic Position

The EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement (ITA), effective February 2025, introduces new rules of origin and tariff preferences for Chilean exports, including iodine [WiseTech Academy]. Chile’s iodine exports under HS Code 280120 in Q3 2025 will benefit from reduced EU tariffs but require updated documentation, such as RUT-based proofs of origin. As a top global supplier, Chile’s strategic position demands close monitoring of trade compliance and market shifts.

Chile Iodine (HS 280120) 2025 Q3 Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Chile's Iodine exports under HS Code 280120 for Q3 2025 reached approximately 332.7 million USD in value and 6.87 million kg in weight, marking a robust performance driven by increased trade volumes and favorable external conditions.

Price and Volume Dynamics

Compared to Q2 2025, where exports totaled 267.3 million USD and 5.74 million kg, Q3 saw a 24.5% rise in value and a 19.7% increase in volume, indicating strengthened demand and efficient shipment cycles typical of iodine's steady industrial use in sectors like pharmaceuticals and disinfectants. The August spike to 141.6 million USD likely reflects bulk order fulfillments or seasonal logistics optimizations, consistent with Chile's role as a global iodine supplier.

External Context and Outlook

The growth in Chile Iodine HS Code 280120 Export 2025 Q3 is partly attributable to the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement effective since February 2025, which streamlined origin proofs and reduced tariffs for EU-bound shipments [EU-Chile ITA Guidance], fostering smoother trade flows and bolstering export competitiveness amid stable global demand.

Chile Iodine (HS 280120) 2025 Q3 Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

Chile's iodine export under HS Code 280120 in 2025 Q3 is entirely concentrated on a single product, iodine, with a unit price of 48.44 USD per kilogram. This high specialization, where iodine accounts for all export value and volume, indicates a focused trade in a key commodity. yTrade data confirms this dominance with no other sub-codes present in the top breakdown.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The absence of multiple sub-codes suggests that Chile's iodine exports under this code are primarily in a basic, unprocessed form, likely as a raw or standard-grade chemical. This structure points to a fungible bulk commodity trade, where products are traded based on weight and purity rather than differentiated value-added stages, common in mineral and chemical exports.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Chile's monopoly-like position in iodine exports under HS Code 280120 for 2025 Q3 grants it strong pricing power, leveraging its role as a major global supplier. The recent EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement, effective from February 2025, may further enhance export opportunities to the EU by simplifying origin rules [European Commission], supporting stable or increased market access.

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Chile Iodine (HS 280120) 2025 Q3 Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Chile Iodine HS Code 280120 Export 2025 Q3 is heavily concentrated, with China Mainland as the dominant buyer. China accounts for 40.17% of the total weight but only 31.15% of the total value, indicating it pays a lower average unit price of approximately $37.80 per kilogram. This value-to-weight disparity confirms the product is traded as a bulk commodity, where high-volume purchases command significant price discounts.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The importers form three clear clusters. The first group includes China, the Netherlands, and the United States, which are major consumers and re-export hubs for industrial and chemical applications. The second cluster consists of Norway and India, which are mid-volume buyers likely using the iodine for specialized processing in sectors like pharmaceuticals or food additives. The final group includes smaller, regional buyers from the Americas and Europe, such as Brazil, Mexico, Belgium, Argentina, and Australia, whose purchases are likely for specific local industrial or medical needs.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Chilean exporters, maintaining strong relationships with high-volume buyers in China is crucial for stable revenue. The new EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement effective from February 2025 introduces updated rules of origin [EU Taxation and Customs Union], which requires proper documentation for EU-bound shipments to the Netherlands and Belgium to secure tariff benefits. Exporters should also monitor demand from India, a significant mid-tier market, and ensure compliance with the latest 2025 HS code classifications [FreightAmigo] for all destinations.

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Chile Iodine (HS 280120) 2025 Q3 Export: Action Plan for Iodine Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Chile Iodine Export 2025 Q3 under HS Code 280120 operates as a bulk commodity trade. Price is driven by volume discounts to major buyers and Chile's dominant global supply position. High buyer concentration creates pricing pressure from key markets like China. Supply chain implications focus on secure, high-volume logistics to processing hubs, with reliance on few partners increasing exposure to demand shifts.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Iodine Market Execution

• Use buyer transaction frequency data to forecast demand cycles and optimize production scheduling. This prevents overstock and aligns with high-volume purchase patterns.
• Negotiate contract tiers with major buyers using volume-based pricing models. This secures stable revenue while maintaining competitiveness in bulk markets.
• Monitor EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement rules for shipments to the Netherlands and Belgium. Proper origin documentation ensures tariff benefits and market access under 2025 terms.
• Develop targeted outreach to secondary buyers in India and Norway using trade data on their purchase size and frequency. This diversifies the client base and reduces dependency on top partners.

Take Action Now —— Explore Chile Iodine Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Chile Iodine Export 2025 Q3?

Chile's iodine exports surged by 24.5% in value and 19.7% in volume in Q3 2025, driven by bulk order fulfillments and the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement, which streamlined tariff benefits for EU-bound shipments.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Chile Iodine Export 2025 Q3?

China dominates with 40.17% of the weight, followed by the Netherlands and the United States, which serve as key re-export hubs for industrial and chemical applications.

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

China pays a lower average unit price ($37.80/kg) due to bulk purchasing power, while other markets like the Netherlands and the U.S. likely trade iodine at higher prices for specialized applications.

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

Exporters should prioritize high-volume buyers (95.65% of value) for stability while cautiously exploring smaller segments to reduce reliance on China, leveraging the EU-Chile trade agreement for new opportunities.

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

Buyers in China benefit from bulk discounts, while niche markets (e.g., Norway, India) secure iodine for specialized uses like pharmaceuticals, indicating stable supply but price-tiered access.

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

Chile's iodine exports are primarily traded as a bulk commodity for industrial applications, including pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and food additives, with minimal value-added processing.

Detailed Monthly Report

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