U.S. exporters have until July 5 to apply for trade mission to Chile

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications until July 5 from U.S. exporters for a trade mission to Santiago, Chile in September.

During the week of September 25-29, U.S. agribusinesses will participate in business-to-business meetings with potential importers from Chile and Peru. The mission will coincide with the USDA-endorsed Espacio Food and Service trade show, Chile’s major food show and a gateway to the Latin American market.

“This year we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of U.S.-Chile diplomatic relations, and today Chile and the neighboring Peru are some of our key trading partners, representing the second and third largest agricultural markets in South America,” FAS Administrator Daniel B. Whitley said in a news release. “With the Espacio Food and Service trade show taking place at the same time, the upcoming trade mission to Santiago provides a unique opportunity to expand U.S. agricultural exports to Chile and Peru even further.”

Participants will receive market briefings from FAS staff as well as local and regional industry experts. The event will include receptions and other networking opportunities, engagements with USDA leadership, and site and retail visits in Santiago and the surrounding area.

The Santiago, Chile Agribusiness Trade Mission application is available online.

Agricultural exports to these markets have grown significantly since the establishment of the Chile Free Trade Agreement and the Peru Trade Promotion Agreements. exceeding $2 billion in 2022, according to the release. From January through April 2023, U.S. agricultural exports to Chile increased by 4% compared to the same period in 2022.

Export opportunities include but are not limited to:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Animal protein
• Cheese
• Consumer-oriented products
• Dog and cat food
• Ingredients for processing
• Tree nuts
• Wheat

This is the fourth USDA trade mission of 2023, following a trip to Japan earlier this month. Trade missions to Malaysia/Singapore and Angola will take place later this year.