Chile wants US to ease up on salmon tariffs

The industry in Chile is saddled with a 10% levy, the same as the UK, but lower than that for salmon producing competitors Norway and Iceland.

A delegation from the industry organisation, SalmonChile, has been in the US capital Washington recently to discuss tariffs for talks with the United States Trade Representative’s Office. Also involved was the Chilean ambassador.

The visit aimed to address trade relations, strengthen the sector’s position, and support regulatory certainty for continued growth in the strategic US market. 

The US is a key market for Chilean salmon and other seafood but is faces tough competition from the likes of Canada, the UK and the Nordic producers.

Sales of Chilean salmon and trout into the US are worth more than $2.5 billion (xx) a year, but sales have been slipping of late.

Ironically, some of the main exporting companies are Norwegian-owned which means the price of their Chilean salmon is lower than that from the parent companies’ home country.

The primary focus for the visit was on trade negotiations, existing tariffs on Chilean exports, and the need for a stable regulatory framework to support the industry’s sustainable expansion in the US.

Exports generally fell slightly during the first six months of this year so SalmonChile has been stepping up its overseas marketing this year. Only a month ago it was in Australia with the Chilean Salmon Council to open up the market there.