The Chile-Indonesia Commercial and Cultural Chamber is pleased to present a summary of recent developments in the mining and agricultural sectors, as well as international trade relations, relevant to both countries.
Firstly, Indonesia's government task force has confiscated hundreds of hectares of land from nickel miners PT Weda Bay Nickel and PT Tonia Mitra Sejahtera due to a lack of forestry permits. This action is part of a national crackdown on illegal exploitation of natural resources. The Chamber supports all efforts to ensure sustainable and responsible practices in the mining industry.
In Chile, the mining industry reaffirms its commitment to the country and to a sustainable future. The Chilean mining sector, which represents 57% of exports, 20% of GDP, and generates 11% of direct and indirect employment, is also a force for social and environmental transformation. The Mining Council has highlighted initiatives that demonstrate how its member companies are driving innovation, sustainability, and community development in the territories where they operate.
Chile is also making significant strides in the global walnut industry, ranking second as a shell-on walnut exporter and third for shelled walnuts, behind only the United States and China. The recent ENEXPRO exporter meeting generated significant commercial opportunities for the national nut sector, with companies like Nueces del Sur establishing direct contacts with importers from diverse markets such as Central America and the Caribbean.
Chilean exports have shown a growth of 6.1% in the first eight months of 2025, reaching US$68.532 billion. Importantly, this growth is not only in traditional exports but also in non-traditional sectors, backed by data from the Central Bank and the National Customs Service. Total foreign trade amounted to US$129.201 billion, reflecting an increase of 7%.
Lastly, ProChile Director Ignacio Fernández highlighted the enormous potential of ASEAN, a sentiment echoed by the Chamber. Diversifying exports and target markets is a key mandate for the government and private sector alike. ASEAN represents a huge opportunity that must be seized.
The Maule region's exports have grown by 13.6% and reached US$1.967 billion in the first eight months of the year. Agricultural products lead the increase with 14.7% growth, while the forestry and viticulture sectors also show significant increases.
Source:
- Indonesia cita falta de permisos forestales en confiscaciones de tierras a mineros de níquel (Redimin.cl)
- INDUSTRIA MINERA REAFIRMA SU COMPROMISO CON CHILE Y CON UN FUTURO SOSTENIBLE | Revista Minera Crisol (Revistacrisol.cl)
- ProChile conecta a exportadores de nueces con mercados internacionales (Prochile.gob.cl)
- Exportaciones mineras crecen un 6,1% en los primeros ocho meses de 2025 - Reporte Minero | El portal de minería en Chile (Reporteminero.cl)
- "ASEAN tiene un potencial enorme" (Prochile.gob.cl)
- Exportaciones del Maule crecen 13,6% y alcanzan US$ 1.967 millones en los primeros ocho meses del año - El Maule Informa (Elmauleinforma.cl)