Chile Methanol HS290511 Export Data 2025 August Overview

Chile Methanol (HS 290511) 2025 August Export: Key Takeaways

Chile's Methanol Export (HS Code 290511) in August 2025 reveals a high-value product with Brazil paying premium prices (0.48 USD/kg) for pure-grade Methanol, while China dominates bulk purchases at lower rates (0.27 USD/kg). The market shows extreme geographic concentration, with Brazil and China accounting for 93% of shipments, creating supply chain risks. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, highlights the urgent need for diversification to mitigate volatility in these key markets.

Chile Methanol (HS 290511) 2025 August Export Background

What is HS Code 290511?

HS Code 290511 refers to methanol (methyl alcohol), a saturated monohydric alcohol. It is a key industrial chemical used in fuel blending, formaldehyde production, and as a solvent in pharmaceuticals and plastics. Global demand remains stable due to its versatility in energy and manufacturing sectors, particularly in China, the world’s largest importer.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Chile’s methanol exports under HS Code 290511 are heavily concentrated in China, with 97.5% of volume and 99.28% of value directed there as of June 2025 [yTrade]. This reliance underscores both market opportunity and vulnerability to single-destination volatility. Chile benefits from preferential tariffs under trade frameworks like GSP+, but no new regulatory changes were reported in August 2025. Strategic focus remains on diversifying export markets and monitoring global commodity pricing shifts to mitigate risks. Vigilance is critical for Chile methanol HS Code 290511 export 2025 August performance.

Chile Methanol (HS 290511) 2025 August Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In August 2025, Chile's methanol exports under HS Code 290511 reached $30.65 million in value and 88.17 million kg in volume, reflecting a moderate performance amid ongoing market fluctuations.

Price and Volume Dynamics

Compared to July, August's value decreased by approximately 31% while volume rose slightly by 2%, indicating a potential dip in methanol prices driven by typical commodity cycle volatility. The overall 2025 trend shows sharp swings, such as the May peak and June trough, likely tied to industrial demand cycles and stock replenishment patterns in key importing regions. This Chile Methanol HS Code 290511 Export 2025 August data underscores the inherent instability in bulk chemical markets, where production schedules and buyer inventory adjustments cause rapid shifts.

External Context and Outlook

The high reliance on China—97.5% of volume and 99.28% of value in June—as reported by [yTrade], amplifies volatility, as Chinese industrial demand fluctuations directly impact export levels. With no new policy changes in August, the outlook remains contingent on global methanol pricing and China's economic activity, suggesting continued sensitivity to single-market dynamics.

Chile Methanol (HS 290511) 2025 August Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In August 2025, Chile's methanol exports under HS Code 290511 show complete specialization in a single product grade, with sub-code 29051100 for saturated monohydric methanol accounting for 100% of export value and weight, as per yTrade data. This product, with a unit price of $0.35 per kilogram, is a bulk chemical commodity, indicating no price anomalies or diversification within this code.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The absence of other sub-codes means the export consists entirely of basic, unprocessed methanol. This homogeneous structure confirms a trade in fungible bulk commodities, where products are standardized and tied to global price indices, with no differentiation by quality or value-add stage.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For Chile Methanol HS Code 290511 Export 2025 August, the lack of product variety combined with high market concentration—as reported by [yTrade] with over 97% of volume going to China—limits pricing power and increases vulnerability to demand shifts. Strategic efforts should focus on exploring higher-value derivatives or market diversification to reduce reliance on a single destination.

Check Detailed HS 290511 Breakdown

Chile Methanol (HS 290511) 2025 August Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In August 2025, Chile's Methanol HS Code 290511 Export is heavily concentrated, with BRAZIL and CHINA MAINLAND together accounting for over 93% of the weight shipped. BRAZIL dominates in value with a 64.02% share despite a 46.89% weight share, indicating a higher unit price of about 0.48 USD/kg, suggesting it buys premium-grade Methanol. CHINA has a lower value share of 35.98% against a 46.32% weight share, pointing to bulk purchases at around 0.27 USD/kg.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The trade clusters into two groups: first, BRAZIL and CHINA as major buyers, where BRAZIL's higher price likely reflects demand for pure Methanol in chemicals, while CHINA's bulk imports suit industrial fuel blending. Second, regional neighbors like BOLIVIA, PERU, and ECUADOR show high shipment frequency but low volumes, likely due to proximity enabling small, frequent trades for local needs. CANADA's minor presence may stem from niche industrial applications.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Chile Methanol HS Code 290511 Export, the reliance on BRAZIL and CHINA risks price volatility and market shocks. Diversifying into other regions could stabilize demand, while the price gap offers a chance to promote premium grades globally. Supply chains should adapt to handle both bulk and high-value shipments efficiently, ensuring flexibility in logistics and contracts.

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Chile Methanol (HS 290511) 2025 August Export: Action Plan for Methanol Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Chile Methanol Export 2025 August under HS Code 290511 is a bulk commodity trade. Price is driven by product grade and global demand concentration. Brazil pays higher prices for premium methanol, while China buys in bulk at lower rates. This creates price volatility. Supply chain implications include high reliance on secure routes to key markets. Flexibility is needed for both bulk and high-value shipments to manage risks.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Methanol Market Execution

• Use trade data to identify and target new markets in Asia and Europe beyond China and Brazil. This reduces dependency and stabilizes demand.
• Analyze buyer purchase frequency to align production with stock cycles. This prevents inventory overstock and improves cash flow.
• Develop higher-value methanol derivatives using market insights. This increases pricing power and boosts profit margins.
• Adapt logistics for mixed shipment types, optimizing for bulk and premium grades. This cuts costs and enhances efficiency.
• Monitor global price indices and geopolitical events regularly. This allows quick response to market shifts and mitigates risks.

Take Action Now —— Explore Chile Methanol Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The August 2025 decline in export value (-31%) despite a slight volume increase (+2%) reflects typical commodity price volatility, exacerbated by heavy reliance on China, which accounted for 97.5% of volume in June.

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

Brazil (64% of value) and China (36% of value) dominate, together representing over 93% of export weight. Regional neighbors like Bolivia and Peru handle smaller, frequent shipments.

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

Brazil pays $0.48/kg for premium-grade methanol, while China buys bulk at $0.27/kg. The price gap stems from Brazil’s demand for chemical-grade purity versus China’s industrial fuel blending needs.

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

Exporters must secure relationships with bulk buyers (100% of revenue) while diversifying beyond China and Brazil to mitigate price volatility and single-market dependence.

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

Brazil’s premium purchases signal stable demand for high-grade methanol, whereas China’s bulk orders indicate cost-driven procurement. Smaller regional buyers benefit from frequent, proximity-based supply.

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

Chile’s exports consist entirely of unprocessed, bulk-grade methanol (HS 29051100), primarily for industrial fuel blending (China) or chemical manufacturing (Brazil).