The sector increased its volume by 19% and its value by 8% in the first quarter, consolidating as a pillar of the economy despite a moderate productive growth.
During the first quarter of 2026 export sales reached the 1,991 million dollars, representing 7% of the total national exports and recording an increase of 8% in value and 19% in volume compared to the same period of the previous year, even though the growth of the harvested biomass over the last five years averages 2%. The figures are part of the Export Bulletin prepared by the studies area of SalmonChile and confirm the relevance of the sector as an engine of economic development for the country, especially for the southern regions.
According to the report, during the first quarter of 2026, the growth of exports from the sector was more pronounced in January (+14% in value, +23% in volume) and gradually moderated towards March (+2% in value, +13% in volume). In this context, salmon accounted for 53% of industrial food exports and 16% of non-mineral exports during the period.
For markets, the United States and Brazil maintain their position with moderate growth of 6%, while China recorded the highest percentage jump (+115%). In contrast, Russia experienced a 40% drop in currencies, reversing the strong momentum shown during 2025.
"The consistency in the results of the first quarter of 2026 demonstrates the resilience of our industry and its ability to adapt to different global market scenarios. The increase in volume and value reflects the continuous work of the sector to improve the efficiency and quality of our products," said Marcela Bravo, manager of Studies and Projects at SalmonChile.
Highlights the dynamism of shipments to China (+96% in foreign currency) and the European Union (+101%), markets that are beginning to show a trend towards gradual diversification of destinations compared to the historical concentration in the United States, Japan and Brazil, which together accounted for 69% of the foreign currency generated during this period.
2025 Balance: a year of productive milestones
The biomass harvested during 2025 increased by 13% compared to the previous year, totaling 1,167,322 tonnes. Atlantic salmon accounted for 70% of the harvest (+15% compared to 2024), coho 27% (+14%), while trout experienced a 24% decline, reducing its share from 6% to 4%.
In 2025, shipments of salmon and trout represented 6% of national exports, highlighting a 3% growth in salmon compared to the previous year. During this period, the United States (US 2.642 billion), Japan (US 1.173 billion) and Brazil (US 854 million) remained the main markets, while Russia showed an exceptional growth of 38% in foreign currency and 35% in volume.
The most exported product in foreign currency during 2025 was fresh Atlantic salmon fillet (24%), followed by frozen Atlantic salmon fillet (18%), fresh whole (15%) and coho H/G frozen (15%). The advancement of the frozen product, which went from 52% to 57% of the foreign currency while fresh decreased from 46% to 42%, shows a trend of acceptance of the frozen product that has been maintained for the third consecutive year.
Finally, Chile and Norway accounted for 77% of global salmon production during 2025. Salmon harvested in Norway increased by 12% compared to the previous year, while Chile increased its harvest by 14%. In the last 5 years, Chile has had an average annual growth in harvests of 2%, while Norway had 4%.
