Santiago — Chile exported 441,000 tonnes of salmon in the first half of 2026, up 15.5% from 382,000 tonnes in the same period last year, according to state Customs figures.

Export value reached $3.506 billion, a 7.3% increase from $3.266 billion a year earlier. The gap between volume and value growth indicates producers received a lower price per kilo.

The United States, Chile’s largest customer, took 133,600 tonnes worth $1.356 billion. Brazil held second place with 85,945 tonnes worth $519 million, while Japan ranked third, buying 72,612 tonnes worth $558 million.

The standout performer was China, where Chilean salmon exports more than doubled to 26,355 tonnes worth $157 million. Russia moved in the opposite direction, falling from 22,700 tonnes to 14,400 tonnes.