Chile must maintain its stable and competitive role in international trade

  • 12 de September de 2025

Within the framework of the current electoral process, it is important to analyze the effects that a political juncture such as this can have on international trade and the logistics chain.

From the perspective of the shipping industry and freight forwarders, rather than an immediate impact on operations, what can be observed is a scenario of greater uncertainty and caution in decision-making by investors and commercial partners.

Chilean foreign trade is supported by a solid network of free trade agreements and multilateral accords that remain in force beyond changes in government. However, electoral processes tend to influence the perception of stability that the country projects to its strategic partners in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Among the main effects are:

  • Exchange rate and financing: the volatility of the Chilean peso against the dollar and the euro, driven by political uncertainty, can make logistics operations more expensive or cheaper in the short term.
  • Investment expectations: many international companies prefer to wait for definitions of public policies before committing to new projects, temporarily affecting the volume of imports and exports.
  • Regulatory processes: changes in administration usually imply adjustments in ministerial teams and agencies, which can slow down customs procedures, permits, and homologations.
  • Country image: the continuity of a clear foreign policy open to trade is key for Chile to continue being a reliable hub in the region.

Therefore, beyond the legitimate political differences inherent in any democracy, what is relevant for our industry is to ensure that Chile maintains its stable and competitive role in international trade.

Logistics requires predictability, clear rules, and continuity in trade openness in order to remain a reliable bridge between producers and global markets.

In this sense, the current challenges for the sector involve continuing to strengthen port efficiency, the sustainability of logistics processes, and the diversification of markets—areas that will remain a priority regardless of the electoral outcome.