Salmon and trout were consolidated as the main export sub-sector of the period, reaching US$ 2,001 million.
Chilean exports of non-lithium seafood closed the first quarter of 2026 with a total of US$ 14.526 billion and an increase of 7.2%, compared to the same period last year, as well as multiple historical records, according to figures from Market Intelligence Department of ProChile, based on data from National Customs Service. Only March contributed US$ 4,646 million (+16.8%).
The most notable fact is that, for the first time in history, export services exports reached US$ 1,020 million in the first quarter. This result positions the sector as the most dynamic in the non-copper non-lithium export supply, with a growth of 18.3% compared to the same period in 2025.
The most exported sub-sectors were TICs, with US$ 286 million (+15.3%); maintenance and repair, with US$ 258 million (+181.4%), mainly driven by aeronautical services which reached US$ 248 million (+214.5%); and administration, with US$ 97 million. Regarding destinations, Peru led with US$ 280 million (+34.1%), followed by the United States with US$ 275 million (+12.3%) and Colombia with US$ 106 million (+11.7%), consolidating a Latin America and North America as the main markets for this type of exports.
This increase in the exports of services that we are seeing in recent years, is a sign of the diversification of our export offer: we no longer export only goods, but also knowledge, technology and solutions. With this, Chile is showing that it can compete in the most demanding markets in the world with a high value added proposal. From ProChile we continue working to ensure that more and more Chilean companies take part in international markets. "this leap into the world", highlighted the General Director of ProChile, Ignacio Fernández.
In this field, Fernández said that “on April 21 and 22, we will have an export meeting called Enexpro Soluciones Globales, with business wheels and pitch that will involve more than 200 Chilean companies that provide services and technology for key industries, such as mining, agriculture, aquaculture and the forestry sector, among others.”
Fisheries and aquaculture
In the first three months of the year also highlights the performance of the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Salmon and trout were consolidated as the main exporting subsector of the period, reaching US$ 2,001 million, its largest historical record for a first quarter.
For its part, the horse mackerel recorded exports of US$ 265 million, also historical peak for the months of January to March.
