The Chilean-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Culture is pleased to bring you the latest updates in the world of commerce and culture between Chile and Indonesia. We have curated the most relevant news items to provide a comprehensive overview of the week's events.

Francisco Lecaros, president of the Mining Foundation of Chile, emphasizes that Chile should not only export minerals but also mining knowledge. The Foundation has launched a massive campaign to educate a million people about the importance of mining in their daily lives, offering educational games, maps, and brochures.

India emerges as one of the most dynamic markets for Chilean fruit exports, with a 53% increase in the first seven months of this year compared to the same period last year. India is now the fastest-growing market among the top 15 destinations for Chilean exports, according to data from the National Customs Service.

Despite the positive results of agricultural exports, other indicators such as production levels, poverty rates in rural areas, and economic and social inequalities in family farming need to be considered for a comprehensive diagnosis of the national agrarian situation. According to the Central Bank data, the exports from the agricultural, forestry, and fishing sector reached $5.601 billion in the first half of this year, a more than 10% increase from last year.

Chile remains the leading lithium producer in South America and second in the world, behind Australia. In 2023, national production reached 270,947 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, a 4.3% increase from 2022 and a 120.5% increase from 2020. Production is projected to reach 275,000 and 285,000 tons in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

The price of farmed Atlantic salmon from Norway has fallen by 14% since June 2006, but the amounts achieved in August still far exceed those of 2005. Similarly, Chilean salmonids are experiencing a similar situation. The high prices in Europe and Japan have diverted national exports from their traditional market, the United States.

The Chilean Foreign Minister, Alberto van Klaveren, met with the Indian Ambassador to Chile, Abhilasha Joshi, to discuss the upcoming Chile Summit India 2024. This public-private event, organized by ProChile, aims to seek new opportunities in the Asian sector and strengthen ties between the two nations in terms of trade cooperation and initiatives to facilitate the exchange of goods and services.

• Francisco Lecaros, presidente Fundación Minera: “Chile no solo debe exportar minerales, sino que también minería” - NOSTÁLGICA CL (Nostalgica.cl)
• India se ubica como uno de los mercados más dinámicos para las exportaciones frutícolas chilenas – Simfruit (Simfruit.cl)
• Exportaciones y políticas agrícolas – El Clarin de Chile (Elclarin.cl)
• Chile sigue liderando la producción de litio en Sudamérica a la vez que cae valor de las exportaciones – Diario Chañarcillo (Chanarcillo.cl)
• Comercialización de salmónidos continua al alza - AQUA (Aqua.cl)
• Canciller se reúne con embajadora de la India previo al Chile Summit India 2024 - Minrel (Minrel.gob.cl)

The Indo-Chilean Chamber of Commerce and Culture presents a summary of the week's most relevant news regarding the economic and commercial landscape in Chile. This includes the lithium market, international relations, and exports.

Chile's Lithium Market
The demand and production of lithium in Chile have experienced a decline, as reported by Revista Digital Minera REDIMIN. This decrease has had a significant impact on the market. However, despite this downturn, a report from the Chilean Copper Commission (Cochilco) projects a surplus of lithium in the country for the coming years. The report, titled "Lithium Market. Projection 2024 - 2025," covers various aspects such as demand, supply, production, exports, and the price of the mineral.

Chile's International Trade
The Undersecretary of International Economic Relations, Claudia Sanhueza, recently addressed the challenges of international trade at the UOH. The talk, titled "Chile and its Trade Policy," aimed to foster open and constructive dialogue about Chile's role in international commerce and the future challenges in exports. Sanhueza emphasized the objectives of the current trade policy and the ongoing agreements.

Chile's Exports to India
On a positive note, Chile's exports to India have seen a 53 percent increase, primarily driven by fruits, manufactures, and mineral products, as reported by Al servicio de la verdad. Key commodities include iodine, molybdenum, cellulose, and food items such as walnuts, apples, and kiwis. This upswing in trade is a testament to the efforts of ProChile, the foreign ministry's institution promoting the country's goods and services globally.

Economic Growth and Competitiveness in Chile
Economist Roberto Darrigrandi, in an interview with PortalPortuario, expressed concern over Chile's economic growth and competitiveness. Darrigrandi stated that Chile has not seen significant growth for the past decade and argued that the country's issues with productivity and competitiveness cannot be blamed on external global incidences. He emphasized the need for internal advancements and innovations, such as digitalization, to stimulate growth.

• La caída en la demanda y producción de litio en Chile: impacto en el mercado - Revista Digital Minera REDIMIN (Redimin.cl)
• Informe de Cochilco entrega proyecciones en torno al litio en el corto plazo - Mch (Mch.cl)
• Subsecretaria de Relaciones Económicas Internacionales abordó desafíos del comercio internacional en la UOH – G5noticias (G5noticias.cl)
• Superávit de litio en Chile se mantendrá en los próximos años - Revista Digital Minera REDIMIN (Redimin.cl)
• Aumentan en 53 por ciento exportaciones de Chile a la India – Al servicio de la verdad (Cronicadigital.cl)
• Roberto Darrigrandi: "Chile no crece hace diez años y no se puede culpar al mundo exterior" - PortalPortuario (Portalportuario.cl)

The Indonesian-Chilean Chamber of Commerce and Culture presents a summary of the week's economic developments, highlighting the fluctuations in exports, growth in key markets, and the potential for increased cooperation between Indonesia and Chile.

In the Arica and Parinacota region, the total exports registered in June 2024 amounted to $23.8 million, representing a negative variation of 15.4% compared to the same period of the previous year, according to the National Institute of Statistics. The sectors with the most significant participation were Industry, representing 73.9% with an interannual contraction of 25.5%, and Mining, which reached 23.0% of the total exported, with a twelve-month growth of 27.0%.

On a brighter note, the Valparaíso region witnessed an interannual variation of 31.8% in its exports in June 2024, totaling $490.3 million. The Mining sector led the way with a 67.2% participation, followed by the Industry sector with a 25.3% participation, primarily due to declines in Oil Refinery and Derivative Products activities.

Chilean exports grew by 1.4% in the first semester of 2024, with fruits and wines standing out in key markets such as the United States, Europe, and Brazil. This growth reflects the dynamism of shipments to the main international markets, emphasizing the need to reinforce service exports, expand the product portfolio, and pay special attention to items such as lithium, grapes, and wines.

However, a decline in salmon production negatively impacted exports, with a negative variation of 22.5% compared to the same month of the previous year. Despite the increase in shipments of meat, wool, hake, king crab, and sea urchins, the regional salmon farming industry experienced a significant downturn.

In Indonesia, PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) is increasing its contribution to societal welfare through the agricultural sector. The company implemented the Tajumase (Tani Maju Makmur Sejahtera) program in two villages, including Hadakewa Vowong in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Finally, Indonesia, the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia, is inviting Chilean companies to invest and diversify their businesses with high-quality products and services at competitive prices.

• Arica y Parinacota: Exportaciones decrecen 15,4% en doce meses - PortalPortuario (Portalportuario.cl)
• Exportaciones de la Región de Valparaíso presentan variación interanual de 31,8% en junio de 2024 - PortalPortuario (Portalportuario.cl)
• Agregados comerciales de Chile trazan su camino tras un semestre con cuentas a favor » DUPLOS.CL (Duplos.cl)
• Cómo los fertilizantes indonesios maximizan el potencial agrícola en las zonas costeras de NTT - Natura Hoy (Naturahoy.com)
• Baja en la producción de salmones fue el principal factor que jugó en contra de las exportaciones | La Prensa Austral (Laprensaaustral.cl)
• Indonesia invita a empresas en Chile (Elproa.cl)

September has been a significant month for both Chilean and Indonesian business and commerce, with a series of noteworthy events and achievements that have taken place in both countries.

In Chile, the Agriculture and Livestock Service of Biobío (SAG Biobío) held a meeting with representatives of blueberry exporting plants, reinforcing the country's commitment to agricultural exports. Additionally, the National Customs Service's Chemical Laboratory has recently achieved accreditation in the area of lithium products, a first in Chile. This accreditation, granted by the National Institute of Standardization (INN), strengthens the supervisory capacities of non-metallic mining exports.

Chile's foreign trade marked a new milestone this month, accumulating shipments valued at US$ 41.392 billion between January and mid-September, the highest level in history. This surpasses the previous record of US$ 40.573.9 billion totalized in 2005. The significant increase in copper prices, which have averaged US$ 2.98 per pound on the London Metal Exchange so far this year, largely contributed to this achievement.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the East Java Multipurpose Terminal (EJMT), a business unit of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) in Lamongan Regency, received two new post-Panamax mobile harbor cranes ESP.8 from Konecranes Gottwald. The new equipment will assist EJMT in handling bulk, project, and container cargo once the terminal begins operations in September.

Lastly, the General Director of ProChile has invited participation in the Silvoagricultural Contest 2025. This initiative is in line with the economic trends in the Chilean agricultural market, which must adapt to the challenges posed by climate change to maintain its position on the global stage. With its unique climatic conditions and rich agricultural heritage, Chile is one of the world's leading exporters of various products.

• SAG Biobío se reunió con representantes de plantas exportadoras de arándanos | La Tribuna (Latribuna.cl)
• Chile: Laboratorio Químico de Aduanas alcanza acreditación en área de productos de litio - PortalPortuario (Portalportuario.cl)
• Indonesia: East Java Multipurpose Terminal recibe nuevas grúas post-Panamax - PortalPortuario (Portalportuario.cl)
• Director General de ProChile invita a participar en Concurso Silvoagropecuario 2025 (Prochile.gob.cl)
• Exportaciones alcanzan el nivel más alto de la historia - AQUA (Aqua.cl)
• Tendencias económicas en el mercado agrícola chileno (Portalmetropolitano.cl)

This week, the Chile-Indonesia Commerce and Culture Chamber brings you the latest news from the Chilean economic and cultural sector.

Economic Trends in Chile's Agricultural Market
Chile, with its unique climatic conditions and rich agricultural heritage, remains a leading global exporter of various products. Amid global competition and climate change challenges, the country is strategically positioning its agricultural sector to maintain its global standing. Economic trends and influencing factors in the Chilean market continue to evolve.

Chile's Commercial Attachés Define Tasks After a Favorable First Semester
Commercial attachés of ProChile in the United States, Brazil, Asia, and Europe have outlined their export promotion strategies for the second semester. The value of products and services exported from Chile increased by 1.4% in the first half of the year, reaching US$ 49.466 billion. Opportunities for Chilean companies providing technology and services for mining, as well as Edtech, HealthTech, and Fintech sectors, were highlighted.

Chile and Mexico Celebrate 25 Years of Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Chile and Mexico are celebrating 25 years of their Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has significantly increased bilateral trade and recently modernized to include Gender and SMEs chapters. The FTA has been a strategic tool for regional integration, development, and a source of opportunities for both countries.

Chilean Salmon to Participate in Promotional Event in India
From August 27 to 30, a public and private sector delegation will participate in the Chile Summit India 2024 in New Delhi and Mumbai. The event aims to strengthen institutional ties between Chile and India and identify opportunities for commercial cooperation.

Indonesian Gamelan Music Ensemble Impresses Audience in Santiago
The Indonesian Gamelan music ensemble left a lasting impression on the audience at the La Cúpula Theater in Santiago, further strengthening cultural ties between Chile and Indonesia.

Chile Must Industrialize its Brines
Chile is at a point where it needs to explore and exploit more minerals, including lithium. However, the current Mining Code, designed for solid rock mining, does not cover brine mining, leaving a legal vacuum. The country needs clear regulations and public policies to truly promote and develop the lithium industry.

• Tendencias económicas en el mercado agrícola chileno (Portalmetropolitano.cl)
• Destacado en prensa: agregada/os comerciales de Chile definen sus tareas tras un primer semestre con cuentas a favor (Prochile.gob.cl)
• Chile y México celebran 25 años del Acuerdo de Libre Comercio (ALC) – Simfruit (Simfruit.cl)
• Lanzan el primer evento de promoción dentro de India donde participará el salmón chileno (Salmonexpert.cl)
• Conjunto Musical Indonesio Gameln Impresion Al Pblico En El Teatro La Cpula - EMBAJADA DE LA REPÚBLICA DE INDONESIA , EN SANTIAGO,, REPÚBLICA DE CHILE (Kemlu.go.id)
• Chile debe industrializar sus salmueras - Portal Innova (Portalinnova.cl)

The Chilean Chamber of Commerce and Culture has witnessed a significant increase in various sectors of the nation's exports, particularly in the agricultural, forestry, and aquaculture sectors, as well as in Tarapacá's mineral exports.

The agricultural sector experienced a surge of 8.8% in the first half of the year, with exports totaling US$7.053 billion, representing 31.3% of total foreign sales. This growth is driven by record exports of cherries, plums, and blueberries.

The forestry sector also showed positive performance, with exports reaching US$2.448,8 billion FOB between January and May 2024, a 3.0% increase compared to the same period last year. However, May witnessed a decrease in exports by 23.1% compared to the previous month.

The aquaculture sector continues to demonstrate its importance in the national economy, with salmon leading the exports. The peak export period is between March and September, with two companies managing 80% of the exported tonnage.

Tarapacá's exports reached US$469 million in May 2024, with significant interest shown in developing 24 lithium projects in the region's deposits and salt flats.

Kiwi exports are expected to increase by 10% compared to the previous season, with more than 65% progress in the current season and an estimated volume surpassing last year's total of 126,220 tons.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the first Damen CSD600 series cutter suction dredger has begun operations. Named Jhoni 58, it is currently working on a maintenance dredging project at the Port of Batulicin in Kalimantan, primarily used by numerous coal transport barges.

• Las ciruelas y los arándanos se suben al carro de exportaciones récord que lideran las cerezas | Diario Financiero (Df.cl)
• Exportaciones forestales chilenas acumulan desempeño positivo - PortalPortuario (Portalportuario.cl)
• Sector acuícola chileno: El salmón lidera ventas y demanda en Brasil y Estados Unidos - Radio Agricultura (Radioagricultura.cl)
• Exportaciones de Tarapacá alcanzaron los US$469 millones en mayo de 2024 (Radiopaulina.cl)
• Exportaciones de kiwi podrían incrementarse en un 10% en comparación con la temporada anterior - Mundoagro (Mundoagro.cl)
• Indonesia pone en operación la primera draga de la serie Damen CSD600 - PortalPortuario (Portalportuario.cl)

The Indo-Chilean Chamber of Commerce and Culture has been closely monitoring the recent developments in the economic and trade relations between Indonesia and Chile. This week's news reflects the strengthening of ties and the potential for growth despite some challenges.

According to the Directorate of Studies of the Undersecretariat of International Economic Relations (Subrei), Chile's trade exchange experienced a contraction of 1.7% compared to the same period in 2023, totaling USD 60.220 billion. However, the country's exports, which amounted to USD 33.062 billion, saw a slight fall of 0.4%. This is largely due to a decrease in lithium, molybdenum oxide, and copper cathode exports. On the other hand, the growth in shipments of copper concentrates, fresh cherries, gold, iron, fresh grapes, bleached and semi-bleached eucalyptus cellulose, fresh blueberries, fresh plums, potassium nitrate, and fishmeal has largely offset these losses.

Indonesia has expressed interest in deepening trade with Chile, particularly in the lithium sector, which is vital for Jakarta's aspirations in electric vehicle production. The main exported items include vehicles, spare parts, footwear, and Indonesian fertilizers, Chilean copper, cellulose, and fishery articles. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed between the two nations in 2019, has led to a 23% increase in trade since its implementation.

The Indonesia-Chile Forum, held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Santiago, brought together government, business, and academic leaders to optimize trade, investment, and economic partnership between the two countries. The event underlined the importance of strengthening bilateral ties in a context of economic growth in Southeast Asia and the growing relevance of relations with the region.

Furthermore, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved projects to modernize economic-trade agreements with Indonesia in the field of services and with the Pacific Alliance, which seeks to expand the scope of origin accumulation to the Associated States of the regional bloc. These initiatives will now continue their process in the Senate Chamber.

On another note, Meratus Group announced the arrival and incorporation of the WM Meratus Cilacap, its new ship, into the company's fleet. With enhanced capacity and cutting-edge technology, the company is better equipped to serve its customers, particularly in remote ports located in the Indonesian archipelago.

In conclusion, the Indo-Chilean economic and trade relations are on a promising trajectory, marked by cooperation, strategic agreements, and mutual interests in key sectors. The Chamber remains committed to fostering these ties for the mutual benefit of both nations.

• Intercambio comercial de Chile cae -1,7% - PortalPortuario (Portalportuario.cl)
• Con la mirada en el litio, Indonesia quiere profundizar comercio con Chile | AméricaEconomía (Americaeconomia.com)
• “Avanza la alianza: Foro Indonesia-Chile impulsa la cooperación económica entre ambos países” | ADN Radio (Adnradio.cl)
• Avanzan en comisión del Senado acuerdos con Indonesia y Alianza del Pacífico | Diario Financiero (Df.cl)
• Meratus Cilacap se integra a operaciones en Indonesia - PortalPortuario (Portalportuario.cl)
• Subsecretaria Sanhueza destaca aprobación de proyectos que modernizan acuerdos con Indonesia y con la Alianza del Pacífico en Comisión de Relaciones Exteriores del Senado (Diarioestrategia.cl)

The Indonesian-Chilean Chamber of Commerce and Culture highlights a series of events that have marked the economic, cultural, and natural landscape of both countries in the past week.

Chile has been granted permission to export poultry meat and by-products to Paraguay, as reported by La Tribuna. This is a significant milestone for the Chilean poultry industry, opening a new market and fostering stronger economic ties between the two nations.

Simultaneously, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has raised its growth projection for the Chilean economy to 2.3% in 2024, a half percentage point increase from the 1.8% estimate in November last year. The Paris-based organization attributes this positive adjustment to a recovery of real wages, aided by falling inflation and more flexible financial conditions. The OECD also projects that inflation will continue to decrease and converge to a 3% target by mid-2025.

In the agricultural sector, exports of cherries to China increased by 16% in the 2023-2024 season, reaching a record US$ 2.260 billion, according to data from ProChile's Department of Market Intelligence. This notable increase demonstrates the robustness of Chile's agricultural sector and its ability to navigate the international market successfully.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the remote Mount Ruang volcano erupted multiple times, triggering the highest level of alert and the evacuation of thousands of people due to the threat of a tsunami from debris sliding into the sea. This natural event has drawn international attention to Indonesia and its volcanic activity.

The Indonesian-Chilean Chamber of Commerce and Culture continues to monitor these developments closely, recognizing their potential to shape the economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

• Chile obtuvo habilitación para exportar carne y subproductos de aves a Paraguay | La Tribuna (Latribuna.cl)
• OCDE eleva proyección de crecimiento de economía chilena al 2,3% en 2024 (Lanacion.cl)
• VIDEO: La espectacular imagen de rayos volcánicos en la erupción del Monte Ruang en Indonesia (Lanacion.cl)
• OCDE eleva la proyección de crecimiento para Chile al 2,3% en 2024 - Radio Santiago (Eldiariodesantiago.cl)
• Exportaciones de cerezas a China aumentaron 16% en temporada 2023-2024: Alcanzó US$ 2.260 millones - Radio Agricultura (Radioagricultura.cl)
• Exportaciones, cambio climático y alza en los costos. Por Camilo Cornejo Orellana, Ingeniero Agrónomo Académico Ingeniería Comercial Universidad Andrés Bello – G5noticias (G5noticias.cl)

The Chilean-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Culture highlights several key developments in bilateral trade, agriculture, and mining sectors between Chile and Indonesia this week.

The Chilean Blueberry Committee is set to organize a Technical Workshop titled "Efficiency in nutrition and irrigation during post-harvest" on March 27, 2024, at Agrícola Sauerburger. The workshop, which will feature a presentation by José Ignacio Covarrubias, aims to improve post-harvest practices in the blueberry industry.

On the mining front, Adani's copper foundry is set to require Chilean concentrates as part of its US$1.2 billion investment. This development is expected to boost Chile's copper exports and strengthen the bilateral trade relationship between Chile and Indonesia.

Furthermore, India's decision to reduce import duties on Chilean blueberries has been warmly welcomed by Chilean exporters. This move is anticipated to spur Chilean blueberry exports and contribute to the growth of the country's fruit industry.

Meanwhile, the total exports from Biobío have grown by 1.7% in 2023, despite a national decrease of 3.7%. This growth underscores the region's resilience and its significant contribution to Chile's economy.

Chile's fruit industry continues to thrive, with fruit-growing hectares reaching 375,600 hectares by the end of 2022. Over the last decade, the industry expanded by over 76,000 hectares, with cherry plantations leading the growth.

Lastly, Chile has made its presence felt at the world's largest mining fair in Canada, seeking investors and promoting its lithium and copper production. Chile's Minister of Mining, Aurora Williams, emphasized the country's position as a global leader in mineral reserves and its intent to advance in polymetallic mining through public-private partnerships.

• Comité de Arándanos de Frutas de Chile invita a Taller Técnico “Eficiencia en la nutrición y riego durante la postcosecha” – Simfruit (Simfruit.cl)
• Fundición de cobre de Adani de US$ 1.200 millones de inversión requerirá concentrados de Chile (Redimin.cl)
• India reduce aranceles a los arándanos chilenos | Artículo (Eldemocrata.cl)
• Exportaciones totales del Biobío crecen en 1,7% en 2023, mientras que a nivel nacional disminuyeron en 3,7% | La Tribuna (Latribuna.cl)
• Chile: Hectáreas frutícolas llegan a 375.600 hectáreas – Simfruit (Simfruit.cl)
• Chile llega a la mayor feria minera mundial en Canadá para buscar inversionistas y promover el litio y cobre (Reportediario.cl)

The Indo-Chilean Chamber of Commerce and Culture is pleased to report significant developments in the Chilean trade sector. The Chilean cherry, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture, has become the favorite fruit among Chinese consumers, particularly during the Chinese New Year celebrations which this year falls on February 10th.

Claudia Soler, Executive Director of the Cherry Committee of Frutas de Chile, expressed optimism for the 2023-2024 season. "The condition and quality of our fruit have been good, as producers and exporters understand the importance of quality for the sustainable development of the industry in the future," Soler stated. Despite challenges posed by spring rains, early varieties of cherries were prioritized for air shipments to ensure the fruit's condition.

Furthermore, Chile's trade exchange has seen a resurgence, thanks to copper shipments. According to the first commercial report of the year from the Undersecretariat of International Economic Relations (Subrei), Chile's trade exchange climbed to US$16.144 billion, marking a 2.5% increase compared to January 2023 (+US$400 million). This positive variation is the first after 15 months since October 2022.

In addition, the Los Lagos Agricultural and Livestock Service has certified the shipment of red sarsaparilla to Europe, further diversifying Chile's export portfolio. January 2024 saw a slight improvement in Chilean exports, breaking a nine-month streak of declining foreign sales. According to data from the Central Bank, foreign shipments reached US$ 9.145 billion, a 2.7% increase compared to the same month the previous year.

The Indo-Chilean Chamber of Commerce and Culture continues to support these positive trends in trade exchange, strengthening the economic ties between Chile and its international partners.

• Cereza chilena se posiciona como la fruta favorita para celebrar el Año Nuevo Chino (Eltipografo.cl)
• Intercambio comercial de Chile repunta gracias a los embarques de cobre - NOSTÁLGICA CL (Nostalgica.cl)
• Con volúmenes de exportación récord y un gran consumo las cerezas chilenas se preparan a celebrar el Año Nuevo Chino - Mundoagro (Mundoagro.cl)
• Subrei: Primer Informe Comercial del año arroja un repunte en el intercambio comercial de Chile (Mch.cl)
• SAG los Lagos certifica envío de zarzaparrilla roja a Europa - PL Prensa (Paislobo.cl)
• Exportaciones rompen con nueve meses en rojo | Diario Financiero (Df.cl)