The Indonesian-Chilean Chamber of Commerce and Culture is closely monitoring the recent developments in international trade and exports. We are particularly concerned about the potential impact of the United States' 10% tariff on forest imports, announced by President Donald Trump in late September. This tariff could significantly affect the economy of the Biobío Region in Chile, given the importance of the timber industry there.
On a brighter note, we are pleased to report that Peru's mining exports grew by 16.6% in the first half of 2025, reaching US$ 26.553 billion. The main products driving this growth are copper and gold. This positive trend in the mining sector is a promising sign for the economy of the region.
Meanwhile, Indonesia is preparing to expand its foreign trade in Africa and Latin America starting next year. This strategic move is aimed at diversifying export destinations and strengthening economic ties with emerging regions. Negotiations are currently underway with various African countries, including South Africa, with the aim of opening new regional trade agreements.
In the face of global economic uncertainty, the copper market has once again come into focus. The London Metal Exchange (LME) reported a 0.33% increase in the price of copper, trading at US$10,413.5 per metric tonne. This surge is due to a combination of geopolitical, economic, and productive factors in the world's two main suppliers: Chile and Indonesia.
Chile, the world's largest copper producer, is facing a severe drop in production. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), copper production fell by 9.9% year-on-year in August, the most significant decrease in over two years. This decline reflects structural problems ranging from lower mineral grades to labor and climate conflicts that have affected operational continuity in several mines in the Andean country.
On the maritime front, Puerto Coronel has been ranked as the best-performing maritime terminal in Chile. Additionally, the international bidding process for the San Antonio Outer Port, a US$4.45 billion megaproject and the largest in the country's history, has attracted five prequalified companies, confirming global interest in one of Chile's most significant infrastructure works in the coming decades.
Source:
- Analizan impactos de aranceles a exportaciones forestales de la Región (Diarioconcepcion.cl)
- Exportaciones mineras del Perú crecieron 16,6% en el primer semestre de 2025 (Redimin.cl)
- Indonesia busca ampliar su comercio exterior en África y América Latina - teleSUR (Telesurtv.net)
- El cobre sube ante riesgos de suministro en Chile e Indonesia - .:: Minería en Línea ::. (Mineriaenlinea.com)
- Ranking mundial sitúa a Puerto Coronel como el terminal marítimo con mejor desempeño en Chile | Soychile.cl (Soy-chile.cl)
- Puerto Exterior: Chile atrae a los principales actores globales de la industria portuaria | Marca Chile (Marcachile.cl)