Chile’s fruit sector prepares response to possible new U.S. tariff

Chile’s fresh fruit sector is preparing its position after the Office of the United States Trade Representative recommended a new 12.5% general tariff that could affect several countries, including Chile.

The recommendation followed a USTR review linked to imports of goods made fully or partly with forced labour. The measure has not been finally approved.

Fruit industry strategy

Chile’s Undersecretariat for International Economic Relations, known as Subrei, met with Sofofa and export representatives, including Frutas de Chile, to coordinate the country’s response before the final decision.

The aim is to build a public-private strategy to protect Chile’s competitiveness in the U.S. market, especially for export sectors with strong trade links to the country.

The final U.S. decision is expected after hearings in Washington starting on July 7.

Rodrigo Yáñez, secretary general of Sofofa, said indirectly that coordination between the government and the private sector is important to defend Chile’s export position in the United States.

Concern for fruit exports

Iván Marambio, president of Frutas de Chile, said the United States is a strategic market for Chilean fruit and a long-term trade partner under the free trade agreement in force since 2004.

He also said the sector trusts that dialogue and negotiation can help protect a trade relationship that benefits both countries and supports the supply of Chilean fresh fruit to U.S. consumers during the Northern Hemisphere off-season.

Major market for Chilean fruit

The United States is the second most important market for Chilean fruit. Fresh fruit exports to the country reached US$1.411 billion in the 2024-2025 season.

The main products shipped were table grapes, citrus and blueberries.

Chile’s fruit industry says these exports complement U.S. supply because they arrive mainly during the Northern Hemisphere off-season.

source and photo: frutasdechile.cl