Chile’s salmon industry increased export totals to 251,413 metric tons (MT) during the first quarter of 2026, marking a jump of 20.7 percent compared to the same period last year.
“Far from a productive expansion, the sector shows clear signs of sustained recovery based on structural improvements in its operation, consolidating a growth model based on efficiency, optimization, and greater sophistication in its international insertion,” Chilean Salmon Council said in a release.
According to the council's Q1 2026 export report, exports by value totaled USD 1.9 billion (EUR 1.6 billion) – up 9.3 percent year over year. The difference between volume and value, according to the council, is explained by lower average prices, as well as in the composition of exported formats, aligning with the industry’s strategy to strengthen its presence in international markets through greater volume.
“The first quarter of 2026 demonstrates an industry that is once again gaining momentum, but it does so from its structural strength and from an ability to adapt and operate better. This growth is not due to expanded production but to a more efficient management of installed capacity, where the optimization of processes has driven export volume increases," Salmon Council Executive President Loreto Seguel said.
Still, the council noted that Chile’s salmon production capacity remains structurally restricted. It called for the country’s new government to advance on a nationwide policy, including regulatory improvements, investment protection, and a long-term salmon development vision to unlock potential and drive further growth.
“This [Q1] report reaffirms that Chilean salmon is a strategic sector for the country. Its growth in the short term is linked to internal improvements, but that has a ceiling,” Seguel said. “If Chile aspires to consolidate itself as a world leader in this industry, a country agenda is required to accompany this effort. Efficiency has been key to this recovery, but the next leap depends on structural decisions.”
In Q1, Atlantic salmon experienced a 34.7 percent increase in volume, while coho salmon remained relatively stable, with a 1.8 percent increase.
By market, the United States remained the top destination for Chilean salmon, growing 18 percent, followed by Brazil, which was up 22.3 percent. Japan had moderate growth of 4.7 percent.
Russia, the fourth-largest market for Chilean salmon, saw a 32 percent drop in volume during the quarter, which the council said reflected “a still dynamic international environment.”
China’s imports of Chilean salmon surged 164 percent during the quarter, which the Salmon Council said was thanks to an active market diversification strategy and an industry connected to global dynamics, capable of quickly responding to changing international scenarios.
Chile's salmon industry registered exports of USD 6.55 billion (EUR 5.56 billion) for the full year 2025 – a 3 percent increase from 2024.
