Long-term vision: ChileCarne wraps up 2024 with major achievements for pork and poultry exports and more than 50 active markets

With revenues nearing $1.2 billion USD and a trade network spanning more than 50 countries, Chilean poultry and pork exporters solidified their global leadership in 2024. ChileCarne expects 2025 to bring new challenges and opportunities, for which the integration and consolidation of public-private work will be crucial.

2024 was a year of significant progress, including strategic agreements and overcoming challenges that reflect the sector’s maturity and ability to adapt to a dynamic international environment. These achievements are the results of decades of hard work and effective collaboration between companies, public officials, and international markets.

The achievements of 2024 have allowed Chile to strengthen its position as a leading exporter of animal proteins. Noteworthy examples include the opening of new markets, the successful completion of international audits, the signing of strategic agreements, and the consolidation of health standards that further strengthen Chile’s reputation as a reliable and high-quality supplier in global markets.

The pork sector, which represents 59% of the total value of Chilean meat exports, celebrated milestones such as the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China, which will allow Chile to expand meat and by-product exports to its largest trading partner, accounting for 38% of pork’s total exported volume. The MoU not only strengthens Chile’s competitiveness in a crucial market, but also boosts the economic development of rural areas and cements the country’s image as a reliable, high-quality supplier.

Juan Carlos Domínguez, President of ChileCarne, explained the significance of the MoU: “We are back on the right track, prioritizing export interests. This achievement marks a turning point in our relationship with China, not only because of the market’s importance, but also for what it means for Chile’s reputation as a country that meets high health standards and responds to challenges transparently and quickly.”

Another important milestone was the approval of the Advanced Framework Agreement (AFA) between Chile and the European Union. The AFA establishes more competitive trade conditions, including progressive export quotas and preferential tariffs for pork. According to Domínguez, “this treaty reinforces Chile’s position as a reliable supplier in one of the world’s most demanding markets, solidifying our leadership as the fifth largest pork exporter.” The agreement also strengthens the strategic relationship with the EU, a long-standing trading partner, expanding opportunities for Chilean exporters.

The poultry sector also achieved a significant milestone with the reopening of the Chinese market following the Avian influenza crisis, highlighting Chile’s ability to manage health crises efficiently and strategically. Chile became the first country China authorized to resume poultry exports, reaffirming the robustness of the national biosecurity system. Domínguez stressed the importance of this news: “The reopening not only acknowledges Chile’s health standards, but also the commitment of our authorities and companies to handle complex situations quickly and transparently. This milestone reinforces our image as a reliable country prepared to respond to any challenges.”

In 2024, Chile also stood out for its positive results in more than seven international audits, reaffirming the ability of Chilean companies to comply with global standards of biosecurity, quality, and sustainability. The audits further strengthened the sector’s reputation and opened new doors in demanding markets such as Vietnam. The audit carried out by Vietnam in December follows more than a decade of negotiations, marking a historic achievement for the Chilean meat sector. With a population of 99 million and a per capita pork consumption of 38 kilos, Vietnam is a strategic destination with enormous potential and represents one of the year’s major milestones for Chile’s expansion.

At the international level, Chile has managed to set itself apart from competitors such as Brazil, the United States, and the EU, which dominate global markets with larger production scales. However, Chile stood out for its transparency, traceability, and commitment to sustainability. In Latin America, although Argentina shows significant export growth, driven by economic reforms and a renewed focus on exports, Chile maintains its leadership thanks to its focus on quality and compliance with international standards. Domínguez explained: “Argentina is growing rapidly and has an immense production capacity. However, Chile continues to stand out for its transparency, traceability, and sustainability, aspects that are increasingly valued in international markets.” This ability to compete in global markets reflects the positive impact of decades of work in biosecurity, technology, and strategic partnerships.

Challenges and opportunities ahead

ChileCarne expects new challenges and opportunities in 2025. Key milestones for the coming year include the opening of the Vietnamese market, expected for the first half of the year, and the entry into force of the new EU agreement, which will double export quotas. These developments underscore the sector’s commitment to sustainable and strategic growth.

The central challenge will be to increase production to meet growing international demand while maintaining a focus on sustainability. However, barriers such as land-use planning, strict regulatory standards, and a lack of new production projects persist. According to Domínguez, “we can double our exports in five years if we continue to resolve bottlenecks and better communicate our progress in sustainability. A 70% reduction in water consumption and the 25% drop in methane emissions are achievements that we must emphasize.”

Engagement with local communities will also be critical to ensure that an increase in exports benefits all stakeholders. “Development is not just economic; it must also be social and environmental. It is essential for communities to feel that this success is also theirs,” Domínguez added. This idea reinforces the need for an inclusive and sustainable approach that solidifies Chile’s global leadership.

The Chilean pork and poultry industry is preparing to continue facing the challenges of global trade with a strategy based on excellence, innovation, and environmental commitment. With a consolidated public-private collaboration model, international quality standards, and a sustainable development vision, Chile reaffirms its position as a leader in the world’s most demanding markets, demonstrating that success is built daily through effort and collaboration.

The achievements of 2024 and the challenges ahead in 2025 confirm that Chilean poultry and pork exporters, together with ChileCarne, are ready to take on an increasingly significant role in the global animal protein industry, contributing to the country’s sustainable development and strengthening food security worldwide.