Mussels, clams and salmon were the national products preferred by Spaniards during last year, with purchases totaling US$ 353 million.
Chilean seafood exports reached a significant milestone in the Spanish market during 2024, recording the highest growth among all international destinations, according to reported. Ricardo Arriagada, director of the South Austral Macrozone of ProChile.
According to the figures from the Market Intelligence Department of ProChile, national exports of the sector reached US$ 8,789 million, with the Los Lagos Region as the main contributor, providing US$ 6,451 million of the total.
The United States remains the main destination for Chilean seafood exports with a 33% share, followed by Japan (14%), Brazil (11%), China (9%) and Spain (4%). However, the Spanish market stood out for its dynamism, leading the growth with an increase of US$78 million, followed by Brazil (US$70 million) and Japan (US$68 million).
"This growth is particularly significant considering that Spain is one of the main producers and exporters of seafood in the world, with a very demanding consumer. This achievement reflects the quality and reputation achieved by Chilean products," highlighted Arriagada.
The export basket to Spain is led by mussels (cholgas, choros and choritos) with US$94 million, followed by clams (US$70 million), salmon and trout (US$66 million) and hake (US$59 million).
To consolidate this growth, ProChile has scheduled an ambitious calendar of international activities for 2025, including participation in specialized fairs, commercial missions and promotional events in strategic markets such as Australia, Europe, Mexico, Japan, China and the United States, among others.
In April an introduction workshop to the Chilean salmon industry will be held in Australia, a commercial mission of exporters to France, Poland and Lithuania and a masterclass and exhibition 'from the sea to the table' in Mexico; in May participation in the Expo Global 2025 fair at the Fira Barcelona Gran Vía venue in Spain is planned; on June 5th the 'Sea Week' will take place in the Chilean Pavilion at the Expo Osaka; in August a National delegation will participate in the AQUANOR fair in Norway; a commercial mission is planned for October to the Aqua Expo Guayaquil in Ecuador and participation in the China Fisheries Seafood Expo 2025; in October and November, promotion of Chilean seafood products will take place in sales points in Thailand and specialized food and sustainability journalists will be brought from the United States," detailed Ricardo Arriagada.
